.- Additionally, you can track income and expenses consistently using software or spreadsheets.If you track everything, you could show a loss and use that to offset other earned income (such as a W2) which will net you a bigger refund.

I'll look into VRBO as an additional platform as well, thank you!

Also, are you trying to avoid one with an ice maker--potential here for additional maintenance if any issues arise.I've had Whirlpool, Samsung, Frigidaire in properties without any issues.Make sure you're aware of what the manufacturer warranty covers things such as parts, labor, and compressor.  

Long term goal is Property  Appreciation.Brand new single family home with 3000sqft (+ additional 1200sqft unfinished basement) on a 0.25 acre lot.

If you stick with the larger down payments, you’ll have more stability and less risk, especially if the market shifts, but it will slow down how quickly you can buy additional properties.

Real Estate, Self Help/Health, Starting my own Direct to Seller Business, Roth IRA, Crypto, and my family! 

I would never buy a STR if the deal didn´t have either of the following, in addition to making sense as a STR: A. an obvious pivot (LTR, MTR) as my safety net if the market moves against me or B. have some additional RE benefit that would make it a deal using a different strategy ex.

My wife’s inheritance gone, my Ira gone, had several other things in my life going on.

If so that's a big additional risk for the buyer.

Preparation is key, and relationships are everything.When closing a property deal, the funds typically required include a purchase deposit, which is refundable during the due diligence period, and an additional nonrefundable extension deposit.