At $1,500 rent and $500 HOA, you’re netting about $12k a year before taxes, insurance, and maintenance—around a 4.8% gross yield.

You’re not locked into a builder unless the development has a builder tie or HOA/ARC rule saying so, and that varies by subdivision, so verify before you write the offer.

Does the HOA have proper insurance coverage?

Just make sure the HOA allows for it.

Hi all — My wife Ashley and I are exploring purchasing a turnkey, already-operating short-term rental (Airbnb/VRBO) before year-end.Target budget: <=$300,000Preferred markets: Tyler, TX or Little Rock AreaMust-have criteria:• At least 12 months historic payout data (Airbnb/VRBO)• Furnishings included or negotiable (already in operation)• STR legal / permitted (HOA or city OK)• Good guest-review profile (4.7+), low guest-drama neighborhood (we’d stay there ourselves)• Timeline: Clean close, turnkey transition, quick start.We’re not just dreaming — we’re ready to move quickly if the right property shows up.

What I wonder is if they took capex into account and increasing HOA fees as well.

After PITI and HOA, it’s cash flowing about $530/month.

The difference would be amenities and HOA restrictions at my personal residence vs as an investment strategy. 

HOA's scare me a little with the assessment fees and all the possible surprises.  

Is your DSCR ratio greater than 1-meaning are you cash flowing (according to the lender's criteria of mortgage, property taxes and insurance (and HOA) if applicable).