This included changing cleaners, changing plumbers, changing HVAC companies, tinting windows so they don't look as dirty and need windows cleaners, changing internet providers, changing from satellite TV to DirecTV stream, remove/change items requiring high maintenance like skeeball along with a dozen other things. 

If it's a light turnover you can get it knocked out in a day depending if you are doing it yourself or you are outsourcing different trades (handyman, cleaners, landscapers, etc.) 

Our clients making mid-six figures via W2 get the most significant benefits by launching an STR by the end of the year and offsetting taxes.The most common hurdle is the material participation test, often achieved by committing over 100 hours of direct management and tracking that time to ensure it is more than the hours spent by any other individual, including cleaners and property managers.

Aim for C to B neighborhoods for balanced cash flow and cleaner exits; make one agent and one PM your core team and hold them accountable to your buy box.

Is starting from land/wood lot a good place to start instead of distressed property?

@Donna JohnsonHey Donna, for out-of-state rentals it’s best to keep your rental income separate from personal accounts, so opening a dedicated bank account really helps, a local bank can make wiring and deposits easier, a national bank can be more convenient if you’re managing multiple states, I’d also set up your LLC first so all income and expenses go through it, keeps things cleaner for taxes and protects your personal assets, with a good property management company in place, handling the banking becomes pretty smooth

Its been working really well for us so far (knock on wood).

I am at the property a  couple of times a year and I don't have the room to store these types of items and I do not want to add that task to my cleaners job.

The demand is usually steady year-round in Chicago for that group.That said, here’s how I’d weigh it:If you go MTR:You’ll need to furnish it properly — not fancy, but turnkey: queen bed in each room, blackout curtains, comfy couch, smart TV, solid Wi-Fi, a stocked kitchen (pots/pans, utensils, coffee maker, toaster), and a simple desk setup.Expect about $4K–$6K upfront to get it guest-ready if you’re starting from scratch.Cleaning and turnover management can be automated (Turno app or a local cleaner), but there’s still some coordination involved.Since you’re near a hospital, list on both Furnished Finder and Airbnb (30+ night stays) — that combo usually keeps you booked.If you go LTR instead:You’ll save yourself the time and mental load of setting up a new system while adjusting to newborn life.Even if the rent’s lower, you’ll get steady income and less stress, which might be worth it right now.Winter leasing in Chicago:Yeah, it’s slower — especially December through February — but MTRs tied to hospitals stay active because medical contracts don’t follow the same seasonality.If this were me?

Always solid wood, oak and pine in my case.