Quote from @Robert Casper: So I just sat with a friend who spent his career (decades) as a commercial bank loan officer, mostly in real estate, with a retirement career as an independent bank auditor.

I host a local real estate meet up in town if you want to come network with other investors.

I'm happy to share real data on my properties.

Likely will need an upgrade in the vacant unit at least.Financing & Numbers:Purchase price: $1.3M$600K down, financing $700K at 7% interestMonthly mortgage (P&I): $4,660Property taxes: $1,300Insurance: $250Maintenance/reserves: $250 (may need more due to the condition)Total expenses: ~$6,760/monthRental income: $5,000/monthOut-of-pocket cost to live there: $1,760/monthThought Process:I could gradually tackle repairs & renovations while keeping the units rented.Tenant turnover could allow for rent increases, but that’s uncertain with SF rent control.SF appreciation is solid long-term, but the building needs work.Alternative: Rent a 1BR in SF (~$3,200) and invest in a property elsewhere in NorCal, but I like the idea of locking in SF real estate now.Would love to hear thoughts—good long-term play or too risky with the maintenance issues?

So I am new to Real Estate investing and am looking into starting a couple of my first short term rentals, and I have some questions about the value property managers bring to the table.

., this would be a problem.Foreigners can get secured loans in this country if they own some domestic real estate.

Having a real estate license would mainly teach you the ins and outs of the real estate transaction.

There are a minimum of 20 real comps.

Most people not in the business think real estate is like a car where the bank holds the title and you cant transfer it without paying them off. 

I'll drive you down the streets of Lehigh acres where they build and show anyone the gap between market rents (real asking prices) and their pro formas Thanks for the feedback, Robert.