. ~25% of our total household earnings are supported by the energy sector.

It appears metro markets are feeling the effects far more significantly than vacation rental markets.The below data supports the two-fold STR investment strategy that I adhere to: 1.

They have more skin in the game then you do.Make sure you get clear title.

I have seen/heard of HMLs doing 10% down and 100% rehab, but have not come across one that does not require any skin in the game. 

Not sure those support $1800/month.

After talking to 3 companies I feel that this is a great resource to build a real estate portfolio , I don’t feel very confident that the companies I’m am talking with will give me the support I need to use this tool effectively in the beginning while I’m figuring it out.

I can only assume that the article is referring to a European or Asian company then.Most stocks are moving independent of underlying fundamentals at this point in time, so I wouldn't get too attached to anything with a high-yield, real estate, utilities, etc. that become potential short-term safe havens, only for funds to later churn out of them as the dust settles.If your belief remains that people will continue to downsize and/or be unwilling to part with belongings, then self-storage would certainly support that belief. 

The occupancy is an issue, but the bigger issues are the condition of the property, the short term renters and lack of any skin in the game from the borrower.Most lenders I know would want to see the 20% come from the borrower, not the seller. 

@James Debenham so there's a happy medium between an expensive broker with more than it sounds like you need and a no commission split broker with no support.  

Local governments are projecting a 20% to 40% reduction in revenues needed to support critical municipal services and to support public safety, among other things.