So it really comes down to whether you’re optimizing for growth or for stability.

If you're managing for other people- this can raise some more questions because of the potential for risk, liability, & hoping you're properly optimized as a person/business.

Not required, just my preference in terms of optimizing the journey.

And totally agree — seeing preference trends helps us optimize comfort settings in advance so guests are happy while the equipment stays protected.What alerts or automation rules have helped you the most so far?

There are ways for someone who does decide to live it out to optimize it further beyond the roommate route small multifamily split or cost segregation if it becomes income-producing down the line but it still won't alter the personal cost.

For those that have done MTR can you share resources you used to help with furnishing the unit to be optimal for mid term?

My initial strategy is likely to buy a 2-family that needs work with 25% down using hard money loan to fund the purchase + rehab, get it stabilized/optimized and rented perhaps to section 8 tenants since I like the idea of that guaranteed rent/ seems to offer higher revenue than true market rents (I have been a real estate agent for over 10 years and am aware of the risks/rewards/diligence needed to succeed with section 8 tenants and have worked with many landlords with section 8 tenants but am new to investing myself), then re-finance at a higher appraised value back into a more standard loan while keeping 25% equity into the deal.

I agree with you that RE in unlikely to be your optimal path.

A slightly lower CoCR in a market you understand well can outperform a “better” deal you can’t actively manage.For first investments, proximity often matters more than optimization.

Full-system assumptions, an unknowns premium, and anchoring to low comps all force the deal to work under stress instead of optimism.