As far as your primary residence, if you have lived in it 2 out of the last 5 years, you should not have to pay taxes on capital gains (difference between what you paid for it & what you sold it for) up to $250,000 if you file your taxes as an individual and $500,000 if you file jointly with a spouse.Just a disclaimer, I am not a tax professional.

To minimize upfront costs, explore down payment assistance programs, creative financing strategies like seller financing, or rent-to-own agreements. 

Will they "check themselves" from bad behavior when they see a professional company with professional services, legally reviewed lease, etc. managing their day-to-day?

I actually think it is a benefit to both parties to have professional representation to assist the seller and buyer with these types of transactions.

Shared housing provides affordable, flexible rental options for young professionals, remote workers, and students.As shown above, co-living properties have more demand than traditional two-bedroom units and appeal to a wider tenant base.2.

Key Factors for a Good Seller-Financed DealCash Flow: Rental income should exceed monthly payments (PITI) by at least 1.25–1.5x.Purchase Price: Compare to ARV and market value for fair pricing and equity potential.Interest Rate: Aim for competitive rates; higher rates must still allow positive cash flow.Amortization/Balloon Terms: Favor longer amortization and align balloon payments with your exit strategy.Down Payment: Lower upfront costs reduce risk but should meet the seller's expectations.Flexibility: Seek no prepayment penalties and fair late-payment clauses.Property Condition: Ensure the property’s condition matches terms through inspections.Seller Motivation: Assess the seller’s willingness to negotiate favorable terms.Exit Strategy: Have a clear plan for refinancing or payoff at term end.Portfolio Fit: Ensure the deal aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance.Vetting multiple deals and consulting professionals is crucial to making sound decisions.

Additionally, consider operational costs like cleaning, staffing, and marketing, as they can quickly add up.For management, outsourcing to a professional property manager or leveraging tech platforms for bookings and operations could streamline things, especially if you plan to scale.

It’s great to know there are resources & professionals like you willing to help guide new investors.Looking forward to connecting & continuing this conversation!

Hi everyone,I’m looking to dive into the real estate market here in the Des Moines/Metro area and would love to connect with experienced investors, agents, or professionals who are willing to share their insights.I’m particularly interested in learning about your experiences in this market—what’s worked for you, lessons learned, and any advice you’d have for someone getting started.

These are professionals with additional training and a stricter code of ethics.