(with conservative assumptions on annual appreciation - 2%, and annual rent increase - 1%, as well as 5% vacancy/maintenance).I see so many people say they only go for properties with at least 15% cash on cash returns, which seems extremely difficult in this market

Welcome to BiggerPockets communityIt is filled with resources and a plethora of knowledgeI wish you all the best in your real estate journey.Nextdoor.com is a good place for local people recommending local people.

When people say I am going to do the renovations myself, they usually mean doing everything without proper permits and then they get screwed when they go to sell.If you can find a house hack where the side you will live in needs cosmetic, direct replacement (no permits) work, that would be ideal because you can do both by living in and soft-flipping your side while getting income on the other.

Then I call a couple more people and get a couple more no answers or not interested and then I get a hold of this lady who right off the bat was very polite very sweet and we hit it off right away.

Welcome to BiggerPockets communityIt is filled with resources and a plethora of knowledgeI wish you all the best in your real estate journey.Nextdoor.com is a good place for local people recommending local people.

I understand you can find information about analyzing deals for STRs and managing STRs on YouTube etc, but wondering if anyone has found a coaching program worth it?

Or is it more due to the stereotypes around people on Section 8/the other tenants are paying a considerably lower amount every month?

@logan @Logan M.don't tell these people the truth we don't need them in our niche, no competition is great 

And here is a video that helps understand how to get the 100 hours for material participation.Another way is to buy a property in a company name and utilize section 469 grouping activities.

In talking with people already in the game, many have told us that long term rentals right now are not a great option due to high home prices and higher interest rates; they would be very hard to cashflow aside from a sizeable down payment.What these same people have recommended is fixing and flipping right now, since homes are still selling.