With strong demand and guaranteed, government-backed rent, Columbus is an excellent choice for investors seeking reliable cash flow.

The only way to ensure a reliable rental income is by having a dependable tenant occupy the property.

As an alternative you could look for a walk-out, lock-off basement and add a small kitchen/kitchenette down there to have your own space away from your housemates.

For example, your door lock, your t.v.'

That way you would be ready and when rates hit your target mark, you can lock it in and close right away.  

Want a reliable source of motivated sellers?

My mistake was locking in the 30K for the furnishing and construction to make into a “better” STR property.

Therefore, you should buy properties that attract the segment with the highest concentration of reliable people.Each property attracts only a single tenant segment because its characteristics match only one segment's housing requirements.

And your follow-up questions are no exception.If you place it in service in 2024 but do not meet material participation - you can still claim bonus depreciation but it will be locked up and will not be useful as an offset for your W2.

Do you focus on building relationships with a few reliable lenders, or do you keep your list broad?