Bigger platforms save time by forcing structure.

Unsure the reason why but I do think it's a good point to bring up and normalize deal partnerships that are structured as a win-win and allow everyone involved to use their personal strengths and what resources are available to them. 

In both my own investments and the cost seg studies I’ve reviewed for clients and borrowers, properties in this price range typically see 20%–30% of the structure reclassified into 5-, 7-, and 15-year property.That positions you for roughly $50K–$80K of bonus-eligible depreciation in Year 1.Your actual tax savings depend on your bracket, but here’s a realistic range based on what I’ve seen:• At 24%: around $12K• At 32%: about $18K–$22K• At 35%–37%: closer to $28K–$30KIn every STR acquisition I’ve analyzed—whether for my own deals or clients I help finance—the outcome is consistent: when you qualify as a Real Estate Professional and meet material participation, it’s very common to walk away with five-figure tax savings in Year 1, often $15K–$30K+. 

There are a handful of lenders/partners that will still look at smaller balance DSCR deals if the numbers and condo structure make sense.Happy to compare notes or point you in the right direction if you’re still working through it.

Even without being local, you can learn a lot by how structured and transparent they are during the first few conversations. 

Question: When you were starting out or see other recent investors do, what mattered most in enabling you to grow beyond your first property - market choice, deal structure, financing relationships, or operations?

Financing structure, timeline pressure, holding costs, exit assumptions?

. $250–300K of purchase price, depending on financing structure.

My goal is to find the right opportunities, structure them intelligently, and scale responsibly.

Ask exactly what they want in terms of asset class, areas, price range, deal structure, etc.