Hire a loan servicing company to manage the payments for a small fee if you want to get fancy. 

Let the property work for you while you build reserves and learn.

The Smart Investor's Secret Weapon: ReservesIn a market where interest rates are high, deals are tighter, and uncertainty seems to be the norm, reserves are one of the most underrated forms of protection an investor can have.We often talk about cash flow, returns, and growth — but what truly sustains a portfolio in challenging times is the ability to withstand the unexpected.

Just want to know if and what services do you recommend to use when looking at properties for possible income if doing STR.

Huge “instant value.”Except… I don’t know a single stabilized student housing operator running sub-30% OpEx without cutting corners so aggressively that the NOI becomes fiction.Here’s what I’m seeing in the real numbers:Where the OM breaks realityManagement fees appear included,but once you properly account for student housing staffing — 28% isn’t sustainable.CapEx reserves?

Personally I am pretty conservative and like to finance up to no more than 55-60% LTV. 65-70% is not crazy, either, but I'd definitely start keeping reserves as you grow your portfolio.

I mean if we have super excellent credit, reserves and a 20% down payment but the DTI won't look good until the primary is sold will a lender even look at us? 

Also specials maybe $50 to $100 a year on averaged out unless its a building with really high reserves, they all get specials at some point. 

I make $62k/yr and have $24k in liquid assets ($11k in investable assets after setting aside my desired 5 month reserve fund).My long-term plan has always been to buy a duplex to house hack, but I came across a cheap 2-unit condo listed around $110k that looks updated and move-in ready.

I’d build strong reserves first, for peace of mind, and then look at the next rental once the safety cushion feels solid.