Then, once you incorporate an entity structure, that will play a part as well.Hope that helps!

Plus, having a fully paid-off property could be a nice safety net if the STR market takes a hit or occupancy slows down.On the flip side, if you’re eager to grow, saving for another property could be the better play.

Yes, the more units you go up, generally the less players in the game so there is some advantage in purchase competition as you go up, but also more management scale and cap ex for someone who is new.3.

What tools or strategies are you using to stay ahead of the game?

Dont waste your time game-planning.

Keep track of those costs this year, they come into play in 2025 when it's in service.

In playing with the numbers a bit, I'm seeing a trend of atleast 2% rent to price and (ideally) < 7% mortgage rate needed to achieve a decent cash on cash rate.

Columbus is going to be more of an appreciation play and cash flow margins will be tighter in the beginning. 

Long term play would be to either use it as a short term rental or 1031 exchange it after 2+ years.

One tip is to start looking into meetups to connect with investors / others in the REI game (in person/online).