@Charlie Martin Buying under an LLC offers liability protection and separates business finances, but it can complicate financing with higher rates and stricter terms, and lenders may still require a personal guarantee, impacting your DTI.For your first property, consider purchasing in your personal name for better loan terms and transferring it to an LLC later if needed, while using strong umbrella insurance to mitigate risk.

Option A (continue renting) offers stable, inflation-protected income and potential appreciation, but managing the property may impact your retirement comfort.

(We do not know if conventional rates or DSCR rates will be better for you once your rehab is completed, so best to protect both options). 

Adds a layer of comfort and protection to the mattress.$69.99 eufy SoloCam S220 Solar Powered - https://www.amazon.com/eufy-Security-Continuous-Resolution-C...We did buy these for the rental but I haven't installed them.

Because many have been burned over the past few years investing with sponsors who had little to no experience and investors were caught by the glamourous and sexy returns that were being promised that they were getting four years ago but are now gone from big returns to big losses.So the first question you are gonna have to answer is how do you plan on protecting investors money?

Pro Tip: Airbnb provides a level of protection if you end up with a "problem" tenant.

Akron is not LL friendly, they were the first in NE Ohio to pass a rental registration ordinance (in the 90s), in 2021 added source of income as a protected class - so you can no longer rule out S8 applicants, and passed STR registration last October (and nearly a year later still haven't been able to enact anything).  

This can lead to more opportunities and partnerships.Market Understanding: As a property manager, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the local market, which can be invaluable when you start acquiring your own properties.Steady Income Stream: Property management can provide a consistent income, which can be particularly beneficial in the early stages of your real estate venture.Skill Development: You'll develop a range of skills from customer service to maintenance oversight, which are crucial for successful property ownership.Brand Recognition: Establishing a presence as a reliable property management company can boost your reputation, making it easier to attract tenants and investors when you start acquiring properties.Cons:Time Commitment: Property management can be time-consuming, especially if you're dealing with multiple properties or demanding clients.Regulatory Compliance: Staying compliant with local laws and regulations requires diligence and can be complex.Conflict Resolution: Dealing with tenant issues and conflicts is an inevitable part of property management and can sometimes be challenging.Financial Risk: There are financial risks involved, including late payments or damage to properties.Market Fluctuations: The property market can be unpredictable, affecting both rental income and property values.Overall, starting with a property management company can be a smart way to enter the real estate space, especially in an area with a clear need for such services.

You might want to consider Columbus OH - evictions are quick and won't take 12 months and we have good landlord protection laws.

(Which is also good for top tier agents) To the consumer, there are also pluses and minuses.