All Forum Posts by: Arman Ahmed

@Stefen Huskinson

Hey Stefen — sounds like you’ve found a solid opportunity, especially with the property already cash flowing and bookings in place.

Since seller financing is off the table and you’ve tapped your immediate network, you might explore:

• Equity partners — bring in someone who can cover the gap in exchange for a percentage of ownership or cash flow.
• Gap funding from private lenders — even if traditional routes didn’t work, there are investors who specifically fund short-term gaps for STRs with proven income.
• HELOC or cash-out refi on your existing property (if there's enough equity) to bridge the down payment.
• STR-specific lenders — some offer second home or DSCR loans that might allow for a lower down payment, especially if you can show strong projected income.

You’re already thinking creatively — just keep building out the capital stack. Deals like this are doable with the right puzzle pieces!

@Nicholas A.

Great question, Nicholas — definitely smart to pause and do some due diligence.

A few ways to vet a DSCR lender:

• Ask for references from other investors they’ve worked with. Legit lenders will have no problem providing this.
• Check licensing — verify they’re registered with the NMLS (Nationwide Multistate Licensing System).
• Look for online reviews or BBB accreditation — see if others have flagged red flags.
• Trust your gut — if communication feels off or pressure tactics are used, that’s a red flag.

Also, don't be afraid to compare offers from a few DSCR lenders just to benchmark terms and service. Better to spend a little more time upfront than deal with surprises later.

@Bernard Gilbert

Welcome to the community, Bernard! Love your vision and entrepreneurial background — that’s going to serve you well in real estate.

Buy-and-hold with SFHs and small multis is a solid way to build long-term wealth, especially if you’re thinking in terms of holding companies and generational growth. You’re in a great region too — the Midwest has some of the best cash-flow markets for exactly that strategy.

@Daniel Enriquez

Welcome, Daniel — sounds like you’re approaching this with the right mindset!

Since you're already in real estate, you've got a huge head start. Out-of-state investing can definitely work if you build solid local relationships and vet your team well. BRRRR and house hacking are both great entry strategies, depending on your financing options and risk tolerance.

Keep connecting with others doing deals in markets you’re interested in — and don’t be afraid to take action once the numbers make sense. Momentum matters. Wishing you the best on your journey!

@Carissa Atendido

Congrats on your first investment—exciting step!

Self-managing one door out of state is definitely doable if you have good systems in place. Just be mindful that home warranties can be hit or miss—some investors find them slow to respond or limited in coverage, especially for urgent tenant issues. Always read the fine print.

For property management software, check out tools like Avail, Hemlane, or TenantCloud. They’re affordable, handle rent collection, maintenance tracking, and applications, and give you more control than hiring a full PM.

Leasing process sounds solid—just make sure you also verify employment and run background checks.

You’ve got the right mindset—just stay organized and have reliable local contacts for repairs if the warranty company lags. Good luck!

@Candyce Chen

Hey Candyce, great question — mid-term turnovers definitely come with their own challenges.

One trick that’s worked for us: create a “turnover linen kit” system. Pre-wash and vacuum seal fresh linens/towels in labeled storage bags, then store them in a sealed plastic bin with moisture absorbers. This keeps them fresh and ready-to-use for months. At turnover, your cleaners can swap everything out quickly, and take the dirty set home to wash on their own schedule.

Also, consider commercial laundry pickup/delivery services that specialize in vacation rentals — some offer 24–48 hour turnaround for bulk loads.

Hope that helps streamline things!

@Preston Taylor

Great to see you and your partners making the shift from Airbnb to Section 8 — that’s a smart move for long-term stability and impact. Ohio has been a strong choice for many investors I’ve worked with who are focused on cash flow and tenant-based housing programs. Cities like Columbus, Dayton, and Cleveland offer solid rental demand, relatively low acquisition costs, and less exposure to the natural disaster risks you mentioned.

When it comes to Section 8:

• Reliable property management is key — especially those who already work with housing authorities.
• Many local inspectors and small renovation crews are familiar with the inspection standards, which helps streamline turnarounds.
• Insurance is generally affordable here, and adding a home warranty can offer peace of mind on older systems.

Happy to share more about what’s worked for others in this space — and wishing you the best as you move into this next phase!

@Taylor Keller

Welcome, Taylor! It’s great to hear you’re targeting Cleveland — there’s definitely opportunity here, especially for multifamily. Investors I know appreciate the affordability, solid tenant demand, and the chance to force appreciation with value-add plays. Like any market, neighborhood selection and having a reliable local team can make or break deals. Excited to see how your journey unfolds — feel free to keep us posted on your progress!

@Nikki Pritchett

Nice work, Nikki! It’s always great to see a first investment doing well with both cash flow and equity growth — that’s a solid combo. If you’re ever looking to scale or diversify, markets like Columbus and Dayton, Ohio, have been attractive for many buy-and-hold investors due to their affordability and strong rental demand. Curious — are you thinking of adding more in GA, or open to out-of-state options too?

@Dana Hagans

Absolutely, Dana — happy to share! One thing that’s worked really well for investors I’ve worked with in Ohio is focusing on building strong relationships with a few key players: a great GC, reliable PM, and a responsive agent who knows the market block-by-block. It’s made scaling so much smoother.

Ohio’s been a great place for both cash flow and long-term growth — excited for your journey! Let’s definitely stay connected