I am currently looking for an internship to gain practical experience in managing STRs.

So, we found a property manager through a friend and fell into the business.In 2023 we decided the real estate thing might work, refinanced our property from 2009 and bought an additional rental property in the same area placed it with our current property manager… on purpose this time.

Once you find your 1st property, hire a property manager.

In terms of mitigating your risk - particularly if you buy a condo - consider a newer building, steel or masonry construction, a unit on Floor 3 or above where Flood insurance wouldn't be necessary, larger buildings where costs are spread amongst more owners, and buildings with a financially healthy HOA (track record of good management, reserves in the budget to cover large capital expenditures, etc).

It can be more challenging to manage your calendar to keep space for the longer MTR bookings, though.

Obviously I’m in Canada so would need a property management company so that would add to the expenses, but I don’t know, something feels right about an investment like this.

They are expect property managers in Atlanta and can help you navigate this chaos. https://www.pmigeorgia.com/about

Eco-tourism will be featured, as will sheep/goats/cattle for some seasonal forage management.

I've got a pretty wide-scoping background (construction, banking and finance, house hacking, and professional property management) that has allowed me to see property investing from a multitude of viewpoints.

Also, here's an update:Spoke to a Property Management Co. based in Northeast Philadelphia:They said that you will have to wait the 4-6 weeks to get the license and then the Certificate, apparently it does take them that long.I also spoke to a Philadelphia 3-1-1 line Government representative:He said alternatively you can walk down to the Philadelphia Municipals building and directly request for Rental License, however, he warned that you need to bring a MONEY ORDER for the dues as well as it taking 4+ hours on a business day.