It can be a dog-eat-dog world.

Otherwise, you will eat 4–8 weeks of vacancy waiting on inspections. 

Maybe it's holding costs eating into margins because projects are taking longer?

The duplex prices are slightly inflated so if bought at market value, the cashflow (assuming I wasn't living there) would be slim or break-even based on rental comps (trying to buy in the Harker Heights area).However, being in the military means a stable income so I will be able to eat the $100-$300 in negative cash flow, and I have enough savings to account for vacancy and repairs. 

Turnovers and vacancies eat up profits so I’d rather have people stay forever and make a little less rent then try and squeeze every penny out of tenants.

Unless the first property has tons of equity you might just be eating equity and cash flow to get another unit and another.

But it is the reason why some hosts thrive long term while others lose money, shut down, or are forced to pivot under pressure.Let’s talk about what actually decides whether your short term rental succeeds.Why Market Selection Matters More Than Interior DesignYou can have the most beautifully designed property with every amenity guests love, but if the city suddenly restricts short-term rentals, the neighborhood pushes back, tourism demand is unstable, or licensing and tax costs eat into your margins, décor and pricing strategies won’t save the investment.

Note that your financing costs (points, fees, etc) will eat into this as well.

Don’t let “software setup” eat your hustle time.My advice: keep it simple, master one channel, then layer others.

Rent (do you have a place on your own, or are you renting a room and sharing with friends), car (do you need a car or can you find a place close to work and is there a grocery store within walking distance), entertainment (stop eating out and reduce how often you go out with friends to places that cost you money-go to their place, meet somewhere that won't cost you anything).You've already picked up extra shifts, so that's great.