I only mention this because we had a toilet ruined because the tenant allowed her son to play with his Hot Wheels - in the toilet!

My goal has shifted and I'm looking for a prime location that will build equity and allow me to charge top dollar for my renovated units.

My understanding is most HOAs don't allow STRs which is why a lot of people have shifted to MTRs.

If you want to find an actual mentor, go to meetups, reach out to individuals that are investing in the style you like and offer value to them. 

For one tenant that had a cat (inherited tenant and the only cat I've allowed), I had to soak slab with enzyme cleaner, didn't work well, then soaked in vinegar, replaced subfloor boards upstairs, replace trim all around flooring -- it's a huge undertaking requiring multiple applications.     

By doing this, you may share the risks and obligations with others and have access to assets with the potential for larger revenue.Real Estate Crowdfunding: Real estate crowdfunding platforms allow individuals to invest in real estate projects with lower capital requirements.

In my opinion, Podio CRM offers everything you need, while allowing you to customize appropriately.

If you want to leave furniture, then great,  you've got a midterm rental (or short-term rental if Raleigh allows it).

yes you can get financing for non-warrantable condos but it will be some bank/CU that holds their own mortgages in house and allows that. 

Balloons are generally not allowed for owner occupied which is covered under Dodd Frank.