We expected there to be an additional cost but starting out, we thought it would be a faster way to get bookings via their marketing reach to test the waters and then pivot to self perform once we get an understanding of what's needed to run a STR property.

So, we obtain a full credit report and review collections, chargeoffs, age of credit accounts, active accounts, etc. to build an overall credit evaluation.FICO ScorePct of PopulationDefault Probability800 or more13.00%1.00%750-79927.00%1.00%700-74918.00%4.40%650-69915.00%8.90%600-64912.00%15.80%550-5998.00%22.50%500-5495.00%28.40%Less than 4992.00%41.00%Source: Fair Isaac CompanyPublic RecordsWe also obtain data from national databases about evictions, convictions, and sex-offender histories.

As for the amenities I think the answer can be found in the data. 

Excellent wrap-up of 2025 data and analytics!

The MORE DATA you have the easier the decision becomes. 

That “sketchy but improving” description is exactly how many great investment neighborhoods start.As for figuring out true market rent, here are a few reliable places to pull data:• Zillow, Zumper, and Apartments.com — filter specifically for units similar to yours (bed/bath, square footage, amenities).• Facebook Marketplace and local rental groups — this often gives you the real on-the-ground pricing.• Rentometer — a quick high-level check, but don’t use it alone.• Your local property managers — they usually know the exact rent ceiling for that block.• Walk the comps — literally look at anything for rent within a half-mile radius and see condition vs. price.What you want is a cluster of similar units renting for the number you need — not one random outlier.The fact that one side is vacant is a bonus.

Tracking data on showing numbers and feedback is huge.

From this data, you can utilize a website bestplaces.net that will give you a breakdown of the percentage of homes that sold, in various price ranges, for a given zip code.

But one thing that often gets overlooked is that you can get deeper deal analysis at no cost by leveraging a mortgage broker or lending professional as part of your evaluation process.A good broker already has access to the paid software stack most investors do not want to spend money on, including credit risk systems, property data tools, pricing engines, portfolio-level underwriting, rental tolerance models, DSCR assessments, and more.

A few high-impact items to stay on top of are:HVAC: Annual servicing and regular filter changesPlumbing: Check for leaks under sinks and toilets; inspect/flush the water heaterSafety: Test smoke and CO detectors, and check GFCI outletsRoof & Exterior: Quick roof inspection, clean gutters, and check caulking/sidingDryer vents: Clean regularly to reduce fire riskThese basics go a long way in preventing bigger, more expensive issues down the line.