I've seen your questions and always happy to help @Barbara Johannsen, Moving from landlord to lender changes everything from liability to lifestyle.

Are you investing for the lifestyle that it can bring, or are you wanting to scale up to a major player?

In 10–15 years, I’d love for real estate to fund my lifestyle. 

I didn't get the impression it was a mega hub of corporate lifestyle.

A Kissimmee 5-bed pool home will perform totally differently than a Gulf-side bungalow in Naples.If you’re brand new to STRs, maybe start with a place you could also use personally a few weeks a year — that way you’re getting lifestyle value even as you learn the ropes.Jeanette, I really hope this helps you a bit and gives you a better outlook of the area, I sent you a DM on BP... it's one of the reasons I do this, I hope you can assist.

If you’re interested in investing, I’d focus on strategies that fit your current lifestyle and income, and that can be easily integrated into your life in a tax-efficient way.

They promote a lifestyle versus how to actually do something. 3.

Historic rents must rise faster than inflationThis is the single most important factor.

A lot of investors in Oregon end up buying out-of-state for their first few rentals and keeping Portland for lifestyle, not investing.If you’re interested in small multifamily look at landlord-friendly, lower-cost markets where the numbers make sense from day one - places like:Columbus, GAAkron / Canton, OHBirmingham, ALParts of TXMemphis, TNThese markets offer better rent-to-price ratios and long-term tenant demand.If you’re exploring syndications the key is understanding sponsor experience, fee structure, exit timeline and whether returns are cash flow now or appreciation later.Best next step: underwrite at least 5–10 deals before investing in one - you’ll see patterns quickly. 

Instead of “trading up” our lifestyle every time income increased, we saved up and bought more rentals.