Thus, our agent’s incentives were misaligned with our interests, and this influenced how he advised us.Myth #3 – An agent is essential for navigating the paperworkWhile agents can provide standard forms like the California Residential Purchase Agreement (RPA), they cannot advise you on contract language.

That brings your living expenses to $2000/mo, which essentially is the same amount you’d pay renting.  

A reference for me to keep track and make the year end tax paperwork easier. 

There are lenders that will not consider the file and a mortgage broker can't submit it until it's a completed file in that the submission has all paperwork-Title paperwork including Commitment, an appraisal and whatever paperwork is needed depending on if a refinance or purchase as the paperwork will vary depending on the type of transaction.

Just something to consider.When buying my primary home, I do pledge to live in it for 12 months (it's actual paperwork that you sign).

Or if you cash out refinance your condo, you are essentially moving that debt to a 30 year fixed option which I think is your best move.

So essentially this is a low-risk learning opportunity for me. 

Quote from @Christian Welch: This is something I always stress and make very clear:STR investing is not just buying a property and listing it on a platform for rent.A short-term rental is essentially a hospitality asset.It’s not a hotel or a motel, but it absolutely falls under the same scope — operating a business that provides both a service and an experience to the client.Like most hospitality assets, the majority of your costs come from:• Turnover and cleaning/ Preparing the unit for the next guests                                                                                                                                           • Restocking paper towels, toilet paper, soaps, towels, linens/ Stocking up all these supplies upfront• Ongoing wear on mechanical systems — HVAC, plumbing, appliances, water heaters, etc.This is why many STR owners choose to hire specialized STR property managers — firms that already have the systems, staff, and client base to book properties months in advance.

One of the spouse is very emotionally attached and even tried to not sign the paperwork.

Once you factor in vacancy (call it 5-8%), maintenance (another 5-8%), and cap-ex for even a newer build (2-3% for things like HVAC and roof down the line), you're essentially at break-even or slightly negative month to month.The upside though is that $60k is buying you a locked-in rate that's 3-4 points below current market.