There are several articles that do an exceptional job of explaining who, what, where, why and how tax payers qualify for the ‘STR Loophole’ listed here:The Short Term Rental Tax Loop Hole: A Game Changer for W-2 Wage EarnersThe Short Term Tax Rental Loop Hole: What Investors need to know The implications on the Oregon and California Coastal STR market is a strengthening buyer pool for luxury rentals in the $750-1.5M+ range.

Agree 100% especially if they don't have capital and a capital sponsor wants 75% or more - something better than nothing especially when you don't have skin in the game 

So many "investors" bury themselves in complex, expensive situations to protect themselves from some unknown threat to their non-existent business.Figure out if you have any shooting skills (or even enjoy the game) before spending money on $600 Nikes or an indoor basketball court. 

It's simply a numbers game. 

I am a little late to the game and have been told several times throughout my adult life to invest in real estate, but I ignored the advice.

🙏☺️ I completely understand where you’re coming from & you’re right that owning real estate is a key step toward truly being an investor.I’m still new to the game, but I have a solid plan in place to move toward ownership & establish myself as a real estate investor.

Passive income is certainly the name of the game - building a real estate portfolio and creating generational wealth are key ingredients to long term holistic financial health and success.There are fantastic real estate investment opportunities in various markets, particularly in the Midwest and Southeast of the country. 

Additionally, while rates aren't historically bad right now, they are higher than 4-5 years ago, and they will be even higher for you as an investor than they were as an owner occupant, which is what you were when you bought originally.I get that you are anxious to add to your portfolio, but that could be achieved without touching your first golden goose.Sometimes on BP, the push is to leverage every last spare penny, but that can be a risky game as the markets shift. 

My resources and skin in the game is being allocated to the remaining balance of X purchase price.What path do you recommend in this scenario? 

There’s also a good mix of duplexes, triplexes, and quads, so you’ve got options for a solid house hack.House hacking is actually how I got into real estate—I’ve done two house hacks with duplexes here in Chattanooga, and it’s been a game changer.