Hi everyone,Just working through learning as much as I can on the STR markets and trying to gage what most people think about condos/townhomes vs single family homes as investments...I'm trying to weigh the benefits of each against the drawbacks, knowing that I will be investing in a market (most likely) out of state (living in MI, looking at FL, TX, Gulf Coast region).My thought is that a single family home STR will be more work to manage from distance but will also force me to learn quickly on all aspects whereas a condo might be a bit easier to manage but cash flow will be lower as most/all have fairly high HOA/dues. 

If so, what are the benefits to the buyer of this method? 

Lock in today's LOW LOW LOW interest rates and ENJOY that benefit for 30 years.

I would check here on the forums for a REI specailized tax pro vs. one local to TX- especially with there not being an income tax there, local won't offer much benefit vs. skilled but virtual. 

This way we don't just rely on one person's word and in the end the property manager is going to take care of it so it benefits them to vet properties correctly. 

To me (and id like to hear others opinions) - the only real benefits to FHA is if you are rebuilding credit or cant obtain that extra 1.5% down (maybe high priced market).

@Kevin Jennings If you're able to spot a small multifamily or a house with a casita or space to build a casita that might be the best way to househack with a family - having someone else pay that mortgage is a huge benefit and might be worth the sacrifice of some privacy for the long term financial gains.

But you also have to compare the benefit of taking depreciation and expense on a couple of the rooms and losing the primary residence exclusion of a tax free sale - but you could still 1031 the investment portion and defer tax. . 

The benefit would be their relationships with the service providers.

I’d give your agent the benefit of the doubt as it sounds like they’re just trying to get you a good rate from a lender they trust to get the transaction tot he finish line with no drama.