@Mary Ainsworth Learning the market when it comes to mobile homes is similar to single-family homes.

I have never seen a home for rent with no ceiling fans.

I set my realtor who has only 4 years of experience but she does investing. it is hard for me to gauge how good the realtor is since I am also new/first time home buyer. 

Explain it is more expensive than you thought to own the house (real estate tax reassessment, etc) and you want to escrow for making future improvements.

For context, I live in Salem, MA and a few years ago my husband and I were looking to buy a house that was not turnkey, but also livable, that we could live in while updating, and rent on weekends (either a room or the entire home) during Salem’s busy Halloween season.

I still don't know which area I should buy a multi-family home in California.

I acquired a 4b sfh through an online auction about a year ago and completely gutted the home and upgraded mostly everything.

With the STR strategy you potentially go with the 10% down second home occupancy loan that comes with a lower interest rate

The biggest selling point for me was the people, it's home to some of the most genuinely nice people I've ever met. 

[Status]- Our current home is owned free and clear with no mortgage on it (Est value 199K).- We will keep our current home as an investment property.- We will get a new home as our primary residence (Approx  400K).- We will be taking a loan against the current home to cover the down payment for the new home.- Additionally, we will use the loan to remodel our current home and rent out.