Quote from @Devin James: 1) Inventory is drying up- Build-to-Rent developers stopped starting new developments when rates spiked, and that slowdown in starts will hit the market soon, resulting in less inventory.2) The rent vs. own equation is upside down- Usually its cheaper monthly to own than to rent, but today that’s not the case in many markets.

There absolutely has to be a correlation between living closer to family and an improved quality of life in our later years.

House hacking seems like a powerful way to offset housing costs, and co-living seems like a viable strategy for improving cash flow.I'm joining BiggerPockets to connect with people who are a few steps ahead of me, learn what I can, and contribute to the community.

So although there is a lot more inventory of homes for sale, prices are not falling at the rate many think they are, it is actually a pretty balanced market (not a buyer or seller market).

Here’s how to approach it:Why Your Property Tax May Have IncreasedReassessment: Counties typically reassess property values every 1–3 years, and if your property value increased significantly (or if improvements were made), your assessed value—and thus taxes—could spike.Renter Classification: Many jurisdictions charge a higher tax rate for non-owner-occupied or rental properties.

Some people even start with a light BRRRR or buy a property that needs very minimal updates, just enough to improve value and rents.

State, local, & federal regulations cover areas such as:Tenant screeningProperty safety and conditionEvictionsInspectionsLease addendumsLease terminationsSecurity deposit handlingRent collectionAvoiding just one lawsuit can more than cover the cost of professional management — AND save you significant time, stress, & money.Shorter vacancy cyclesA property manager can help you perform three critical tasks that directly impact how quickly your vacancies are filled:Prepare the property for rent: They recommend & oversee cost-effective improvements to increase rental value & appeal.Set the right rent price: Using market data & rental analysis tools, they help you avoid overpricing (which causes longer vacancies) or underpricing (which leaves money on the table).Market the property effectively: With access to multiple platforms & advertising tools, property managers create targeted listings & use their sales experience to attract & secure qualified tenants quickly.Better tenant retentionHigh tenant turnover can lead to costly & time-consuming processes like cleaning, repairs, & re-marketing.

It’s all about balancing protection with deal size to ensure your ROI makes sense—if the fee feels steep, consider shopping around or increasing loan amounts to improve profitability or as another member mentioned, have it be a pass-through fee to your borrower. 

I don’t have to buy if I decide not to, owners can hang on until conditions improve, maybe they can recoup equity?

Purchase price: $129,900 Investor Renovation Summary – 1748 Benning StreetExterior Improvements➤ New architectural shingle roof; porch painted gray➤ Painted posts/rails, new light fixtures & mailbox➤ Landscaping: mulch beds, timbers replaced, brick cleaned/repaired➤ Security bars/gates removed; exterior doors replaced with smart locksInterior Renovation➤ Full interior paint (gray walls), trim repair, paneling replaced➤ All blinds, window locks, and interior doors updated➤ New LED lighting, smoke & CO detectors, doorbell, HVAC ventsKitchen & Bath Updates➤ Cabinets painted/repaired; new counters, sink, vent hood➤ New stackable washer hookup & 220 outlet➤ Full bathroom remodel: tub, tile, vanity, toilet, exhaust fanMechanical & Final Touches➤ New HVAC system; attic ladder & drywall repairs➤ Water heater evaluated; deep clean completedStatus: Fully updated, turnkey-ready, ideal for rental or resale