Additionally, the management of a bigger property does not linearly grow -- what I mean is that a 12-unit building doesn't require four times the management of a 4-unit building. 

They stated that the “market rent” came lower than expected and tried to tell me that market rents in the area justify $1300, which that’s just what I “accepted” on paper from the tenant.

A bank, or credit union, or anyone issuing a mortgage, can earn 5% interest from treasury bonds, or a money market account.

There is a lot of competition and you need a lot of marketing spend even to make a dent.

Best there is at navigating the complex landscape out here and helping you make the right purchase to be competitive in the STR market. 

If you can get into the market in Amherst, of course it's a good place to invest.

What market?  

The market currently not supporting our initially projected sales prices.

Hey Damion, I am an agent and investor in the Phila area and would be happy to connect with you about the local market.

The market here in SD continues to appreciate 10-11% year over year and with a shortage of inventory it's not showing signs of letting up so waiting 5-10 years to just sit on a 3% interest rate on your Merced rental when your goal is to move to SD makes sense to do it sooner rather than later.