When it comes to stocking your STR with essentials, balance is key.

Don't do real estate over the Stock market.

You’ll get a better return over the long-term by putting your money in the stock market.

the midwest has lower price points than other areas of the US, sure, but it also comes with its own challenges - for example, very old housing stock, lots of deferred maintenance, and tremendous demand for the best properties."

While I do maintain a relatively modest percentage of my assets in money market instruments, corporate debt funds, and high dividend stocks, I remain most comfortable with the investments I specialize in and know best.  

Obviously you jam it all in the stock market for 11%.

I have been investing in the stock market for 5 years and I am now transitioning over to real estate after doing my research on real estate for the past two years. 

Let's say you paid $250k for it, and it's now market value $500k.

Careful in the Stock Market, seems great on it's upward trajectory however...

The opportunity cost of losing potential market gains in your retirement fund should also be considered.