If I could rewind 7 years, I would’ve personally scooped up another property near downtown...prices were more forgiving back then.All that said, I’m curious..if you were getting back in the game today, would a condo with strong amenities but an unpredictable HOA top your list, or are you eyeing single-families for that full control?

I even had preventative maintenance set up, but the root growth rate was unpredictable.

The variables associated with beach STR's can be much more unpredictable. 

highly volatile and unpredictable.

@Bruce Woodruff You’ve captured the unpredictable nature of real estate perfectly!

While I don't have years of experience to draw on for how the real estate market behaves around elections, I believe it's like most aspects of investing—unpredictable.

Because it's unpredictable.

A lot of people realize later that they traded a steady, easy job with the weekends off for an unpredictable, annoying job that is 24/7.Remember that you aren't chasing financial freedom; you are chasing time freedom.

This can lead to more opportunities and partnerships.Market Understanding: As a property manager, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the local market, which can be invaluable when you start acquiring your own properties.Steady Income Stream: Property management can provide a consistent income, which can be particularly beneficial in the early stages of your real estate venture.Skill Development: You'll develop a range of skills from customer service to maintenance oversight, which are crucial for successful property ownership.Brand Recognition: Establishing a presence as a reliable property management company can boost your reputation, making it easier to attract tenants and investors when you start acquiring properties.Cons:Time Commitment: Property management can be time-consuming, especially if you're dealing with multiple properties or demanding clients.Regulatory Compliance: Staying compliant with local laws and regulations requires diligence and can be complex.Conflict Resolution: Dealing with tenant issues and conflicts is an inevitable part of property management and can sometimes be challenging.Financial Risk: There are financial risks involved, including late payments or damage to properties.Market Fluctuations: The property market can be unpredictable, affecting both rental income and property values.Overall, starting with a property management company can be a smart way to enter the real estate space, especially in an area with a clear need for such services.

Insurance placement guests tend to be very last minute, often will want to sign an initial 30-day contract and then the amount of time they will extend is very unpredictable but can sometimes be upwards of 9 months.