Otherwise they’re starting from scratch at a stressful time.For context, I’ve already started selling mine off (mentioned this in an earlier post), but that’s just my path.

The demand is usually steady year-round in Chicago for that group.That said, here’s how I’d weigh it:If you go MTR:You’ll need to furnish it properly — not fancy, but turnkey: queen bed in each room, blackout curtains, comfy couch, smart TV, solid Wi-Fi, a stocked kitchen (pots/pans, utensils, coffee maker, toaster), and a simple desk setup.Expect about $4K–$6K upfront to get it guest-ready if you’re starting from scratch.Cleaning and turnover management can be automated (Turno app or a local cleaner), but there’s still some coordination involved.Since you’re near a hospital, list on both Furnished Finder and Airbnb (30+ night stays) — that combo usually keeps you booked.If you go LTR instead:You’ll save yourself the time and mental load of setting up a new system while adjusting to newborn life.Even if the rent’s lower, you’ll get steady income and less stress, which might be worth it right now.Winter leasing in Chicago:Yeah, it’s slower — especially December through February — but MTRs tied to hospitals stay active because medical contracts don’t follow the same seasonality.If this were me?

It’s made staying organized throughout the year much less stressful, and tax season is no longer a headache.If keeping everything straight is your main challenge, it’s definitely worth checking out.

DC is not the place to wing this or make emotional decisions.One important mindset shiftYour first goal is not max rent, it’s low stress and predictability, especially since you’ll be living on the property.

Taxes, insurance, debt service, and closing costs don’t care which unit you live in.One thing I’d add that’s often missed: when house hacking, I always stress-test the deal assuming you move out in 1–2 years and it becomes a full rental.If it still meets your minimum DSCR and cash flow targets as a full rental, it’s usually a solid house hack.

Some property managers or agents will handle just leasing—showings, tenant screening, and placement—without ongoing management, which saves time and stress.

When you systemize them, rent stays consistent and stress disappears.Here’s how we manage it efficiently across a growing portfolio:1.

I'm sure you understand the "burnout" that comes along with project management, so let me know if I can reduce some stress for you while learning more about your world!

Some people are not able to handle this level of stress, so know yourself. 

A real estate professional is a distinct designation from the IRS and there are certain rules/thresholds to do before you can call yourself a real estate professional for IRS purposes.You may want to factor in all of the above to see what the cost of cost seg will be and what your decreased tax liability will be for 2017 and what your refund will be from carrying back the NOL to 2016/2015.