Hiring a full time Property Manager will likely make it difficult to execute the Short Term Rental Loophole, but many Property Managers offer consulting to allow you to fast track your learning curve on providing exceptional service.

They’re not the most exciting read, but I’ve caught early signs of zoning changes and policy shifts that could impact operations down the line.Market Tools (Rentometer, AirDNA): I don’t rely on any one tool, but using them in combination helps create a baseline for rent comps, particularly when weighing LTR potential against STR or MTR models.Local Investor Conversations: Whether it’s chats here on BP or catching up with other Phoenix-area investors over coffee, these casual conversations often surface key info—like permitting updates or changes in code enforcement—that’s not always widely published.Refining Internal Processes: I’ve been reviewing and tightening up our PM workflows—everything from tenant communication to maintenance tracking and lease renewals.

The biggest tip I’d share is to really vet the PM and contractor side, since they’re the ones who’ll keep things on track once you close.Just curious, are you leaning more toward chasing higher monthly cash flow right now, or building equity to recycle into more deals?

Most leverage the tools I provide them to fast track their REI goals.   

For anyone looking to invest passively, pay attention to the returns that are mentioned by individuals like Don and Chris who have track record of raising capital for funds.

Recognize your generous, kind actions will not always workout the way you (and everyone) desires it to.  

If your goal is to qualify, focus on tracking hours tied to your own real estate projects, not general contracting operations.

The main drawback is limited track record—the sponsors started in 2019 and have less than 10 years of direct real estate experience, with backgrounds in non-RE fields prior.Based on this, my current criteria for sponsors I’d consider investing with are:Focus on 1–2 regionsFocus on one asset classHave 10+ years of direct real estate investing experiencePrimarily dedicated to running investments (vs. running podcasts/courses/events)Appropriate amount of capital raised / projects going on in a given year.My question to the community:Are these the right criteria to evaluate sponsors, or am I missing key factors?

What I see most commonly is newer investors trying to get 100% financing with no track record or any form of confidence that the loan will be fully repaid. 

Become an experienced, knowledgeable expert with a track record of success in a subcategory of real estate investmentor 2.