I recently won a settlement and have $50,000 cash.

The idea of risk class adjustments and underestimating assumptions for older properties makes a lot of sense, and I hadn’t fully considered scenario pricing before.Seeing multiple price points to determine the maximum safe offer is a great framework for avoiding guesswork, and it really highlights how much thought goes into small multifamily underwriting.

It’s systems vs stress.For a first duplex, out of state, here’s how I’d think about it:When self-managing can workSelf-management is realistic if you have all of the following in place:A reliable local handyman who answers calls and bills promptlyA clear tenant screening framework (income, rental history, evictions, consistency)Management software for rent collection, maintenance tickets, and documentationA local leasing solution (lockboxes, self-showings, or a paid runner)Familiarity with Ohio landlord-tenant laws and leasesIf any one of those is weak, self-managing becomes reactive very fast.The biggest mistake new owners makePeople underestimate leasing and screening, not maintenance.Bad tenants cost far more than 10% management fees ever will.If you self-manage, you must:Control screening criteria yourselfNever bend standards to “fill the unit”Treat leasing like a system, not a favorSoftware that’s “enough” for small portfoliosFor 1–5 units:TenantCloudAvailBuildium (solid but heavier than you need at first)You don’t need enterprise tools.

If anyone here is looking at the SA market and struggling with that 'remote friction,' I’m happy to share my 2026 Yield Framework or just trade notes on the local regs.No pitching. just looking to connect with others navigating the international STR space.

I’m here to learn what reporting routines and frameworks experienced investors actually use in practice. 

There is a lot to navigate here, especially with the specific legal frameworks in Maryland regarding creative financing, but the community of action-takers in the DMV is incredibly supportive.

@Jay SmithThis is a great example of why screening frameworks have to be adjusted by market.

This is a framework for evaluating markets based on real migration and economic drivers.Below is my working thesis on each region, what questions I’m trying to answer, and the specific data points I want the community to help validate or challenge.📍 1) Coeur d’Alene / Spokane (ID/WA)Thesis:The Inland Northwest is attracting in‑migration due to relative affordability, quality of life, and remote/portable employment.

What can be overwhelming is that often AI will give you a portion of what it is that you need, but it tends to make suggestions that can take you down a rabbit hole and then next thing you know, you've wasted hours and still haven't crafted anything useful.I am mentioning this because it sounds like you're asking for prompts but I think what you're actually trying to tackle is designing a repeatable analysis system that AI plugs into.Instead of one giant prompt, try building these three prompts instead: a) a fixed analysis framework prompt (define how AI should think, calculate and structure outputs.

The checklist must be organized into clear categories covering all phases from acquisition through operation.ObjectiveCreate a decision-making framework that helps you identify potential deal-breakers, avoid costly mistakes, and ensure all critical success factors are addressed before committing to this 16-unit Airbnb investment in Salem, Oregon.KnowledgeProperty type: 16-unit building being considered for Airbnb conversion/operationLocation: Salem, Oregon (state capital, population ~175,000, different regulations than Portland)Scale: This is a commercial-scale short-term rental operation, not a single-family investmentResearch sources: BiggerPockets forums, YouTube investor channels, Reddit real estate communitiesThe assistant should focus on:Salem-specific STR regulations and zoning requirementsMulti-unit operational complexity vs. single propertiesLicensing, permits, and compliance requirements in OregonFinancial metrics specific to STR properties (occupancy rates, RevPAR, operating expenses)Property management and automation needs for 16 unitsInsurance and liability considerations for commercial STR operationsMarket saturation and competition analysis for SalemFurnishing and setup costs at scaleGuest management and turnover logisticsExit strategy and resale considerationsOutput RequirementsThe assistant should deliver a structured checklist organized into the following sections:Pre-Acquisition Critical DosPre-Acquisition Critical Don'tsRegulatory & Legal Compliance DosRegulatory & Legal Compliance Don'tsFinancial Analysis DosFinancial Analysis Don'tsOperational Setup DosOperational Setup Don'tsOngoing Management DosOngoing Management Don'tsEach item should be specific, actionable, and include brief context explaining why it matters.