House hacking a duplex, even with negative cash flow upfront, is a great way to build equity while learning hands-on.

But there’s one underrated factor that directly influences all of those metrics — guest reviews.Whether you own one Airbnb or a growing STR portfolio, reviews are not just feedback — they’re revenue drivers.Here's what I've seen firsthand:✅ A handful of recent 5-star reviews can push a listing higher in Airbnb/VRBO search results✅ Positive reviews increase booking conversions — even at higher nightly rates✅ Great reviews build guest trust before they even click “Book Now”On the flip side, one unresolved negative review can tank your performance for weeks — even months.So ask yourself as an investor:👉 Are your current/prospective properties review-proof?

I only have 1 REI group near me and they only meet once a month which makes local networking verrrry slow. 

Real estate data analytics company ATTOM said in a May 29 statement.Zombie homes, which can fall into disrepair and negatively impact the value of other properties in the neighborhood, are a sign of distress in the housing market and the broader economy.According to ATTOM’s analysis, Peoria County in Illinois ranked at the top in the list of U.S. counties with the highest zombie foreclosure rates.Those counties include: Peoria County, Illinois (17.6 percent of properties in the foreclosure process are vacant); Broome County, New York (13.8 percent); Cuyahoga County, Ohio (11.2 percent); Baltimore City County, Maryland (10.8 percent); Marion County, Indiana (10.5 percent); Lucas County, Ohio (9.9 percent); Allen County, Indiana (9.8 percent); Saint Louis County, Missouri (9.6 percent); Pinellas County, Florida (9.3 percent); Vanderburgh County, Indiana (8.7 percent). 

This can be very difficult as the houses cost more, From my last purchase, I am a few hundred negative a month with a 6.5% rate in 4/2025, but the other properties can cover the loss. 

I market to distressed off market sellers, so yes I come across the negative examples, not the positive ones.

Yes property management has been changed but still tenants won’t pay rent on time and every month there are repairs which is causing negative cash flow.Located in Rochester, NY

No the initial return goes to the recovery of the negative position.Now recognizing this and the actual cash flow.

His contractors gut rehabbed them using their own money (I only had to reimburse for work completed), then they helped find tenants and property management for just 5%. 

I only say this to push back against the narrative that this will fix the housing problem.