It’s also important to sit down (or have a virtual meeting) with your accountant on a quarterly basis to review your financials.Tax deductions are maximized.Ensure you’re getting proper tax planning done throughout the year, so you are minimizing taxes.

I just purchased my first investment property in Fletcher, NC (about 20 min outside Asheville) which I plan to use as a short term rental.

That might be good for your company, but not great for the owner or for agents who you want referral business from.I want to know that you will take golden care of my clients property. 

Most lenders  will find it challenging to provide  buyer referals to agents  unless they have some sort of lead gen system  working for them Thanks Dave, yes I do plan to send buy-ready clients to the lenders I work for.

And if I should get them out, what’s the exit plan?

If I was face with your situation, I would pay the shortage upfront now rather than taking a year to pay it month by month in case you will plan to borrow in the near future. 

@Beth AndersonWhen considering house hacking a property, it is important to carefully evaluate its financial viability and make sure that you can comfortably manage the mortgage payments without depending solely on rental income.

I don't do physical work on the property, but I do detailed design plans, and select and buy all the materials.

I plan to figure it out at some point, but if you happen to know that would be great! 

I have to start somewhere, so my plan is to find first property within the next 3-4 months.