You're being a bit short sighted in a long-term game. $200/month net cash flow today is an 8% CoC return in the scenario you described.

how long will it take you to get your $40K back?

The riskiest strategies that have the highest projected income are flipping and short-term rentals, behind that, BRRRRing, and behind that is turn-key cash flowing long term rentals.

That said if you're looking at buying or converting into a multiunit, you should be able to at least break even with 2+ units if you're looking at doing mid-term (saw your other post).

What is the name of the book on mid-term rentals? 

Don't get into a long drawn out - knock down & move the walls type of project as a newbie.  

Anyone know an option to get funds out of my STVRs on favorable terms? 

You wouldn't buy a long term rental with 20% down in NYC or San Francisco and expect it to cash flow.

My plan A for my folks will always be to hire a 3rd party, but having done this for a very long time, I know I will come across those that want to be at least a little more hands on and I want them to have an option.Thanks in advance for any suggestions.Cheers,Robert

This is another area I don't focus my attention on - we buy/hold long term.