@Eric HagerI believe you are stating about development and it is very different from buying rentals, also you will have to understand alot of things like zoning, utilities, permitting, construction costs, and your end rental numbers before you ever break ground.

While the cost of the plans will reduce your cash flow- it will save you a ton of $ when a major system goes out.  6.

When you start utilities on the properties just purchased for STR purpose under an individual name but will be transferred to an LLC soon, is that better to wait the LLC to be done first then start the services, or turn them on as soon as possible to reduce the downtime to get ready and change the ownership to an LLC for the utility companies?

House hacking can still make a ton of sense even if you only expect to be in the area for 2 years, but it really comes down to the numbers and the exit plan.A few things to consider:1.

I have a private lender interested in me and encouraging me to make a big life change for a better future, but it's happening quickly, so I am trying to utilize all the resources I can. 

Start with infill new construction before raw land developmentIf you’re newer, infill builds (existing lots in established neighborhoods) are much easier:• utilities already accessible• zoning typically already set• comps are more predictable• less site work surprisesRaw land development is a different business, avoid that until later.4.

I talk abou tthis strategy a ton on my weekly podcast,.

Really valuable over the years have been: pest control is a tenant responsibility, lawn and leaves with a penalty fee if not done, unpaid utilities equal unpaid rents (this is HUGE!) 

Furnish it nicely (can be expensive), have utilities all setup & ready, ensure great curb appeal, take very nice pictures & videos showcasing home & experience, marketing verbiage changes, different marketing platforms like Furnished Finder or making longer stay on Airbnb.

I feel  like the pre-approval process they are utilizing might be more about sifting thru candidates and ensuring a mutually beneficial relationship while minimizing unnecessary downtime for their team as well as incoming new members.