I think will help us (and hopefully some others) when it comes to properly pricing this service. 

Those memos do not hold authoratative weight but shows the IRS’ thoughts!

Looks to me like the issue is the butt joints were not spaced out properly.

The areas probed still seemed solid, but be aware that some types of wood destroying fungal damage will only be detectable once the wood has properly dried out.

First, unfortunately many CPAs are not interpreting the Regs to IRC 469 properly and some are even defaulting STR to Sch C and SE tax without regard.

:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

Maybe, maybe notYou have to weight the pros / cons along with the risks.Your BP mentions you are 'new to real estate'.You are getting into a new asset class along with a business(I consider a STR more of a business than an investment).How much will you save in taxes?

Yes, I was very fortunate I was properly and like some folks make fun of me for-- over insured.

By year 10, you’ll have a combination of growing cash flow, appreciation, and equity that could boost your wealth by several hundred thousand dollars.Consistent investing and proper management can lead to solid passive income and long-term wealth.

I absolutely collected first, last and security for my class-C rentals until NYS prohibited that practice back in 2019.Many tenants cannot manage their money properly, so this mitigates the issue of not being paid last month's rent when they need to move and the new landlord is receiving those funds they have allocated for their housing during the last month of their stay.This was also helpful to me to pre-screen who has their financial house in order and had saved for their moving costs as part of their planning.If I still could, I most definitely would - without exception.