Your hard monthly expenses would be over $2k per month not including any utilities you may need to include.

Do you split the utilities?

.), utilities cost, capex (think things like replacing the roof), monthly cleaning costs, STR revenue, and estimated appreciation rate.Once you have all that information, you can figure out your ROE and make an informed decision.

We are trying to figure out the best way to utilize our capital to build the rental income.Does it make more sense to rent our current home ($2,800-3,000/month) and use our savings to put a down payment on a second home?

The same is true if the utilities are turned off for example.So the most important thing to know in your case is that you either have the cash ready or a source ready to lend you that cash otherwise it is a non-starter. 

A few observations:**What looks good:**- 8.21% CoC in today's rate environment is respectable, especially with conservative rent estimates- $825/unit for 1b/1b in Cincinnati C-class is realistic (and the $900 upside is achievable with light updates)- Foundation work at $15.3k is factored in - that's often a deal-killer people underestimate- Your utilities expense at $700/mth is properly accounted for (water/heat costs catch a lot of investors off-guard in older MF)**A few things I'd stress-test:**1.

My team works with investors across a few markets, and we actually utilize a strategy that allows you to buy rental properties with no money down. 

The principals didn't feel the need to utilize any of the strategies you appear interested in outside of a separate management company, although the management company managed over 100 hotels (both owned and 3rd party managed engagements).

SFR are great because all of the utilities and lawn care is on the tenant.

I start with realistic rents (not pro forma), then stress-test expenses — especially taxes, insurance, and maintenance, which are often underestimated.I usually assume 8–10% vacancy, 10–15% for maintenance/capex combined, and verify utilities (who pays what) early because that can kill a deal fast.Biggest beginner mistake I see: underestimating expenses and overestimating rent bumps.