I also look at data from AirDNA but I'm uncertain about its accuracy for my area.As this would be my first time doing short-term rental, I would like to gather insights and feedback from the community at BiggerPockets, those who own properties in my area.

Thank you for the great insight and thorough response.

House hacking is so smart and you absolutely can offer your room for rent as well.

Any insight or help on what I should do?

Also, you may want to consider using a note servicer (in my area many title companies offer this service). 

Wondering if others have had any mental blocks when making offers on their first property or buying their first property in general.What were they and how did you overcome them?

Offer cash for them to "voluntarily" leave. - not my first choice, unethical, needs cashb) Get to do a 13% or 19% rent increase if rents haven't been increased since May 1977 or May 1976, respectively - I will find out if there are records going this far back in due diligence phase, if offer gets acceptedc) Operate with a loss or very low NOI for 1 year, after that we will be eligible to apply for a Just & Reasonable Rent Adjustment. - with this, we can potentially increase rents by up to 145% depending on a comparison with baseline 1977 level rent amount.I have 2 questions:1) If there exists these 2 other, legal ways to increase rent in a rent controlled area, why does it seems like the only option most investors consider is cash for keys?

@Patricia Steiner, thank you for your insight.

@Lawrence Potts splits time between Salem and Ashland/Medford area, so he'd have some insight!

They can fill knowledge gaps, manage risks, and provide valuable insights that YouTube and books might miss.