I know a lot of MTR operators swear by these mid-stay cleans but I haven't felt the need to require them.

I came across this article from Kellogg Insight showing how online sports betting is eating into people’s savings.

How about if you live in the area where there are some sub 100k properties.

How does the deal cash flow?

What I've been doing lately is using Monarch Money and categorizing there. 

Quote from @Tim Aiken: I have a house in Bellville and I would like some help on deciding to fix and rent or sell the house, so I may need an agent to discuss the options,  looking at a timeline of 1to 2 months before the house could be listed if that is the best direction.  

That's pretty respectable considering how safe and principal protected it is.

I do BRRRRs all of the time, been doing them for 25 years and I got one under contract yesterday, as a matter of fact.

What you have to be willing to do is present these deals to sellers - and expect to be turned down - often rudely - a majority of the time.  

Keep saving as much as you can, consider high-yield savings accounts or other options Alan mentioned to get more bang for your buck, and use the time to learn the basics you've already been doing, and maybe try to find a mentor who can help you learn more about renovating.