I recommend doing a facetime walkthrough with your agent if you can't be there in person so you can see the condition of the property and if you're new to investing and especially to estimating repairs, be sure to get an inspection during your due diligence period.

. - Will BarnardBuild systems to increase efficiencies. - Several people told me this.Job out tasks that are below your paygrade - J ScottMuch of what I learned was from doing, making mistakes and doing my best not to repeat those mistakes.

Over a 2 year period I was the greatest Stock trader in the world. 

Having an agent would also be helpful in doing that efficiently. 

I leave this as an exercise but will say my worst appreciating San Diego property has appreciated over $2k/month over its hold period. 

It also has some stuff about a "protection period" basically stating after the contract ends if myself or a family member purchases property from the broker I will be held responsible for the fees the broker was originally entitled to.

I'm looking to refine how I'm managing my STR in Lake Arrowhead, and I feel like I'm looking for the holy grail - namely, a reliable, efficient team of partners I can rely on (cleaner, handyman, snow clearing, and general "can't open the door" assistance).

Sometimes there will also be supplemental tax bills due during your holding period, so check with the tax collector in your area.

Some examples I can think of are:a) Fixed interest paid back - If I loan 15k, and we agree on say 5% fixed interest over a period of time.b) % interest paid back on resale of home - if/when I resell, depending on the appreciation % of the place I buy, I pay the same % back in terms of interest on the loan.What does everyone think of these?

If you are going to keep this CT property for a long period of time, and the fixed-rate loan lets you cashflow your target amount it will not matter 10 years from now you paid 10,000-20,000 over what you think it was worth.