An STR ain't going to be successful if you can't actually operate it.

CRM Software with Customization OptionsCRM (Customer Relationship Management) software like Salesforce or Zoho CRM can be customized to track deal details, including financials, though it's not their primary function.Pros:Highly customizable and can be tailored to fit a wide range of data tracking needs.Good for managing relationships with lenders, partners, and tenants.Cons:Requires setup and possibly custom development, which can be costly.May be more complex than necessary for straightforward property management.Recommendation:The best choice depends on your specific needs:If you're comfortable with spreadsheets and have a relatively small portfolio, starting with Excel or Google Sheets might be the most cost-effective and straightforward approach.If financial management is your primary concern and you're willing to invest some time in setup, QuickBooks is a robust option.For a more comprehensive solution tailored to real estate investments, exploring specialized real estate investment software could provide the most benefits.If your operations involve significant relationship management and you need a highly customizable system, a CRM with customization might be the way to go.Before deciding, consider factors like cost, scalability, and the learning curve of new software.

All jokes aside, a good rule of thumb is that investor type hours do not count more so hours that are critical to daily operations.  

Sometimes HVAC contractors will jack up the prices in the winter because they are typically busier and/or they feel the homeowner might be a little more desperate to get the heat on than they would be in the spring/summer months.

Did you ask the gas company what the typical bills have been costing? 

A cost segregation study may allow you to deduct $150k in depreciation expense in the tax year of acquisition.This would create a large tax loss (notably different than an actual operating loss).

In Arlington (another suburb in DFW), you can operate STRs with a permit.

Typically, they ask for an earnest deposit of $2500 or so on your CC.

Typically I have seen results after sending several mailings to the same person. 

The process typically involves contacting your local public housing authority to get your property approved and then finding tenants who qualify for Section 8.