Having someone there for you helps in big ways, even if it is just emotional support.My second tip is to buy something with minimal work, especially if you don't have a team set in place.

Numbers based on a sold property and optimistic scenario (e.g. low vacancy, minimal repairs etc).

Downsides are there's more turnover to deal with and can be more management with issues between roommates... this can be minimized with good tenant screening, leases, roommate agreements.I make sure the house is profitable as a normal rental along with room rental incase something comes up and strategy needs to change.

Is there still plenty of money to be made STRing a 650K 3bedroom premium cabin (log cabin build, wood everywhere/minimal sheetrock, hot tub, very nice)?

There are ways to minimize taxes if you work with a tax professional. 

Tenant in place, 2% rule met, minimal repairs needed, low upfront cost...what could go wrong, right?

My maintenance/cap ex number starts at $250 (attached 2 br, 1 ba, low maintenance yard with minimal hardscape, already well maintained, less than 50 years old) and goes up from there.Initial Cash flow in San Diego is challenging at investor LTV.  

Account Closed Have you considered house hacking to minimize living expenses (assuming you pay monthly rent), and then starting the trucking company?

So I am thinking it's just a matter of the banks don't write scripts on rental properties, or have minimal experience writing scripts on rental properties, so they are just saying no.Anyone know of a bank that does these types of loans for us more often? 

This should be a completely separate company to minimize chances of blowback from its investors.