There are many factors beyond what AirDNA tracks that can significantly impact profitability, and that's what I’ve tried to account for in my own decisions.From my experience, Cancun is indeed more expensive in terms of operational costs.

I would factor those expenses in when you are analyzing your potential profits and expenses.Pittsburgh is still a lot cheaper than VA and is a great place to start.

This affordability is a key factor in attracting both businesses and workers to the area.

Seasonality driven by factors like weather, school schedules, and buyer habits affects housing demand and pricing, often making certain times of the year more favorable for buying or selling.

2.Yes, duplex expenses need to be prorated between the side you occupy and the side you rent out.3.Improvements generally need to be depreciated over 15 years, depending on the type and cost.4.Tax strategies depend on factors like property type, participation level, and your goals.5.Depreciation for a long-term rental is over 27.5 years, starting when the property is “placed in service.”

Having an open conversation about any possible contributing factors, including outdoor exposure, could help resolve the situation.

If you need the extra funds then they're already factored into your numbers and if you don't need them then you're being even more profitable. 10% in contingency is typically a pretty safe number for this.4.

15,072 / 75,000 = 20.1% but that doesn't factor principle repayment and of course is this collection 3 year or 30 years.

I’d love to have real estate provide some financial freedom/flexibility and create a portfolio that I could eventually get my kids involved with and pass down to them, but I end up feeling frozen/stuck based on the factors above. 

Other factors like management experience, Collateral Value, and Loan-to-Value (LTV) can influence how lenient the lender is with rates, etc.