Yes that is probably a smart move. 

Depending on the results, I then decide to move forward with the property or look elsewhere.I hope this helps and good luck on your STR journey!

Hopefully your flexibility will allow you to move to the market you select to give you that boots on the ground advantage. 

Appreciation is just the cherry on top.The last few years Toledo somewhat caught up with appreciation but I believe we are capped now.It's a slow moving market and always behind the rest of the country.There is just not enough demand/infrastructure growth like in other markets to support continued appreciation.Historical data shows the Toledo market appreciating at the pace of inflation which is nothing to brag about hehe.IMO, it's a cashflow play and you should consider building a larger portfolio because it will be safer.Owning 1-2 properties can be a "hit and a miss" and really not the providers or PM's fault.There is a high likelihood of turnover so it's important to build a larger portfolio.If you experience "drama" on 1 or 2 properties, the other 4-5 are performing and can subsidize any losses incurred on the few that temporarily aren't performing.Wishing you much success

I'll try to make this short and clear, but there are a lot of moving pieces. 

I should have joined a team for a year to get more experience.

@Daniel VargasOne thing to remember when you are getting into RE investing is to have your team of people or as Brandon Turner from the Bigger Pockets Podcast calls it your CORE 41.

Honestly, if you are going the fanny/freddie route, I think you have to close in 'your' name and then you can move it to an LLC.

I am working hard with a new content team to get this back on track.Question - do you think that since the beginning of the year (2024), we have largely moved back on the right side of the line in your view?

Being new to this biz, there is a lot of fear and trepidations associated with the "right" deal and a network of lenders, agents, contractors you can trust.My strategy at this point is 1, put my money to work for me, move my money into a real estate/ self directed IRA and then work into the fix and flip side of the business.