I am a regular listener to the Bigger Pockets podcasts when I am doing chores around my house and my STR property. 

Cut low‑value habits by replacing them with a cue routine reward stack, and measure progress by actions, not feelings offers sent, PMs interviewed, deals scanned.

For Maintenance (which include Life‑safety emergencies, Habitability, Routine maintenance and Cosmetic/deferrable) what amounts do you set when the owner must approve? 

If the damage was caused with malicious intent from an angry tenant you should be able to file a vandalism claim against your homeowners insurance and be reimbursed.You may need to file a police report against the tenant and this wouldn't cover any damage that is regular wear and tear or maintenance.

Quote from @Austin Fowler: Would love to hear from people actively raising equity capital for deals and the kinds of returns you routinely project to attract capital.

Just trying to understand what the normal daily grind looks like for agents, so I can see where AI, acting as a personal assistant, might actually help with small but repetitive tasks like running CMAs, auto-scheduling showings, following up with leads, and handling routine communication.

You should have a local property manager to handle people, a reliable handyman on call for problems, and a quarterly photo and inspection routine for peace of mind. 

Been "off the forums" for a while, not for any particular reason other than I felt like i needed a bit of a break from for the routine.  

Scaling & Long-Term Growth:What advice would you give a young investor trying to scale responsibly, including systems, habits, or routines that helped you grow early on?

.🧹 Cleaning & Landscaping Services – Routine upkeep expenses.💼 Professional Fees – Legal, accounting, or property management services.🧑‍🔧 Contractor Labor & Supplies – Any materials or hired help for property improvements.🚗 Mileage/Travel – When traveling to inspect or manage rental properties (keep mileage logs).💻 Office Supplies & Software – Including bookkeeping tools, printers, and even part of your home office.Creative Ways to Give Back — and Still SaveGiving back can also be tax-deductible when done thoughtfully:🎁 Tenant Appreciation Gifts: Small gifts such as gift cards, snacks, or holiday baskets (under $25 per tenant per IRS rules) can be deductible as a business expense.🏘️ Community Donations: Contributing to local charities, shelters, or community events near your property may be tax-deductible if donated to a registered nonprofit (501(c)(3)).🧤 Property Improvement Drives: Donating old appliances, furniture, or materials from renovations to nonprofit organizations like Habitat for Humanity can qualify as a charitable deduction.Pro Tip:Before December 31st, review your receipts, invoices, and bank statements.