Oversimplifying it just a bit, the investor profits from:- a non-refundable option paid by the tenant-buyer which gives them the right to purchase the property within their option period- the spread between the rent paid by the investor to the property owner and the rent paid to the investor by the tenant-buyer over the life of the option- the spread between the price ultimately paid by the investor when they exercise their option with the owner and the price ultimately paid by the tenant-buyer when they exercise their option with the investorClear as mud?

When you save up enough capital, slowly increase your portfolio.

One group wants housing prices to increase, the other wants them to decrease. 

Just make sure you are saving towards those slow months during the peak months, buy a deal at the right price (don't overpay just because its a turnkey STR or you think it will make more money than projected), and look into ways to increase bookings during those slow months with some marketing and operation tweaks. 

The rent from this property covers the mortgage.

The median home sold price reached $582,329, reflecting a 9.7% increase from the previous year, with a median price per square foot of $325.

Appreciation with its tight coupling to rent growth, results in cash flow.An example from my market, a few years ago core logic indicated the average rent increase in my market was ~$600/month.  

Financing OptionsParent Loan Options: Consider home equity loans, investment property mortgages, or co-signing a loan.Tax Implications: Speak with a financial advisor about potential deductions and capital gains.Rental Income Potential: Explore the option of renting out extra rooms to offset costs.5.

Despite higher interest rate environment, there's reasonable probability inflation will still continue - thus increase hard asset valuation.

And during inflationary times, our rental rates increase.