Airbnb/Short Term Rental investors - I'm helping a client with global sourcing experience validate a business idea and wondering if this would actually move the needle for you...The concept: A done-for-you supply chain service that sources your recurring STR supplies (towels, toiletries, linens, etc.) directly from vetted factories in China, adds your custom branding, and ships everything consolidated to save you 20-30% vs. retail.So instead of multiple Amazon/Costco runs or risky Alibaba orders, you'd get:Branded amenities (your logo on shampoo bottles, towels, etc.)Bundled shipments every 30-60 daysQuality control and inspection handledBoutique guest experience at wholesale pricesExample: One operator projected $20K+ annual savings on 50+ units just by switching their towel and toiletry sourcing.The tradeoff: 30-day lead times vs. same-day pickup, and you'd need to plan inventory ahead.Honest question for operators with 10+ units: Are you spending $200-500+ per unit annually on supplies, or constantly dealing with inconsistent quality/stockouts?

If you are putting down 10%, this is inconsistent with with a lot of people are finding.Are you factoring in putting money away for capitalized costs?

In my experience doing project management on rehab projects here in Indiana, keeping a clear scope of work, paying in structured draws, and checking in consistently on-site makes a huge difference.I’ve also seen that when you set the tone early with expectations on timelines and communication, most contractors will either rise to the standard or weed themselves out quickly.

We mounted our celling fan remotes to the wall.

The gap between projected and actual cash flow has been frustrating.Additional context:13 units are less than 10 years old in A- to B+ areas.10 units are older but well-maintained in C-class neighborhoods.I see no significant difference in maintenance or turnover costs between these property types.This portfolio was meant to fund my early retirement, but the cash flow has proven inconsistent and unpredictable.

Everyone has cell phones with built in alarms.

In my experience across roughly 18–20 Section 8 properties, the tenant portion of rent was paid inconsistently or not at all.

Run worst-case vacancy (60–90 days), 10–15% capex shock, and 100–200 bps higher interest on your pro forma to see if the deal still works.Red flags: Major deferred structural issues, inconsistent leasing records, big unpaid utility/back-tax bills, or an absentee seller who won’t provide unit-level P&Ls.If you want, I can share the quick checklist I run on first tours (what I ask, what I photograph, what I insist on seeing in the paperwork) — happy to connect and trade notes as you underwrite deals in Chicago.

The way it works is that you set up a Series LLC, then you setup individual "Series" or "Cells" under the series LLC for each property.

Is the $325 just to create another series cell, or does the $325 also include the deed preparation and recording?