I would evaluate the full picture such as income stability, length of employment, rental history, payment patterns and whether any credit issues are old vs. recent.

And the pattern of no response to emails is back again.This repeating pattern makes us regret the descision of investing with them.

I’ve had hundreds of mentors across the world throughout different phases of my business journey — and not once did I get ahead by sitting around reading books and forums while trying to avoid every risk.Let’s break down the pattern here.Someone hears “$50K profit” and immediately screams scam.

If your plan is to buy a $50-150k house in Indianapolis as an out of state investor, it's likely to follow the pattern that I have seen way too many times.Buy the property, get it rented only to realize that on paper "cash flow" is not the same as end of year actual numbers, bleed cash for 1-2 years, get frustrated that neither rents nor the value of the property has gone up, and sell at a loss to get out from under it. 

The 50/50 split between VRBO and Airbnb is interesting and reinforces the value of being on multiple platforms.On the 3-night minimum question: I don’t think you’d necessarily be shooting yourself in the foot, but it really depends on your market and demand patterns.

This decision pattern means that owner-occupied properties are frequently listed **$60-65K below ARV** – not because of the property itself, but because of inflated renovation costs.

I’m noticing a pattern in Denver where new STR competition shows up in waves, and by the time it’s obvious on Airbnb, the underwriting window is already gone.  

In Columbus, are there particular property types or neighborhoods where first-time investors most often get caught by hidden costs, or patterns you’ve noticed that indicate maintenance risk before purchase?

While I am fine dropping $40-$70k as down payment, I find myself stuck in "holding pattern" wondering what is next or do I have to wait for another $40-70k to accumulate.

I’m noticing a pattern in Austin where new STR competition shows up in waves, and by the time it’s obvious on Airbnb, the underwriting window is already gone.