I don't understand why this is not a good investment for a retailer or landlord.

Understand the fees involved and calculate the total cost for an entire year of management so you can compare the different managers.

Now as we have learned more, and have been educating ourselves more, we understand that having a fantastic and rock solid lease behind you is crucial as a landlord, but what we have now just does not cut it.

And also offered was the opportunity to meet his established network to further my understanding and to accelerate the investment property buying process.It is one small step in the journey towards achieving goals and financial freedom and it is one that I highly recommend to other newbies.

Broadly speaking, utilizing your own IRA/401k funds, or those of certain related parties, is not allowed.There's lots of nuance and strategy that can be implemented, but these are key starting points.

I understand you're coming from the standpoint of this being one deal, the first deal, so this might require a large % of your available capital... but what you should think about is when you have the capital you should use it on the first good deal you can find. 

I understand the emotional strains of running a business.

My husband and I are not new to running our own business and understand the hard work and diligence it requires.

Make your plan, map it out, understand the financial impact that some vacancy, turnover and unit refurb costs will have on your cashflow and decide the pace that's right for you.With a staged plan to raise rents slowly or force some turnover by not renewing existing leases, I'm sure you can get the rents up to market within six months to a year.Good luck!

Guests understand this.BTW I have over a 4-star rating on AirBnb, and my stated policy is NOT to accommodate early/late check-in.