They’ll tell you which neighborhoods still book strong and which are oversaturated.Run conservative numbers.

In Greater Boston, keep it simple: target 2–4 units near strong transit and hospitals where rents stay resilient, run real comps and conservative rent assumptions, and factor taxes, water/sewer, and winter maintenance so your numbers are honest.

Keep analyzing numbers conservatively and connecting with local investors.

Personally I am pretty conservative and like to finance up to no more than 55-60% LTV. 65-70% is not crazy, either, but I'd definitely start keeping reserves as you grow your portfolio.

One, see if a local bank or credit union will do a first‑position HELOC on the STR based on its appraised value; some will even with short income history if credit is clean and LTV is conservative.

Pick a simple buy box in two solid C to B neighborhoods and aim for rent‑ready SFR or duplex with multiple exits; use your 20% down on a deal that cash flows at today’s rates with conservative expenses and real rent comps from two PMs.

. - Other sources I'm seeing is $80K conservatively up to 110K.

I’ve seen investors do really well here when they balance risk with a solid exit plan and conservative rehab estimates.

Keep 6–12 months of reserves and underwrite with conservative rents and a vacancy buffer so the property carries itself when you PCS.

As you go through your analysis, make sure you have conservative projections.