Those small teams are still out there, many with DBA paperwork to continue branding themselves as "ABC Small Time Local Mortgage Brokerage" that's been around for 30 years that everyone knows, but really behind the scenes they are all employees of "XYZ Lending" along with 5,000 other employees.

I understand your frustration with the limited tax write-offs available for W-2 employees.

These are independent contractors and should not be employees (very expensive if they are.)Please consult with a licensed CPA and Attorney in your state.Good Investing...

Note: there is nothing regulating the number of nights per year an STR can be booked, only a recommendation by some ex-host now E&L employee’s recommendation for 183 days, though at no time will that be cited in proceedings, but seems its certainly being used against 200 or so denver hosts this year alone.

The idea is to make sure investors have a great experience and do another transaction with us as that's where our profits are generally generated.Because we view it from that respect, we operate the PM at basically break even (enough to pay our employees).

I think the first thing to consider is location and if the property is more likely to draw traveling professionals such as nurses, tech professionals or contract employees or families.

Many fail to realize vendors will carry commercial general liability coverage and workers compensation (if they have employees), but many do not carry professional liability/E&O coverage.

My wife and I are both W2 employees. 

Our biggest employers is Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital with 14,000 employees.

I do not think that is a good idea. you paid Income Tax and FICA based on $20.5K on schedule C, your net income probably only left $15K (15.3% self-Employee tax + 10%+ Income tax), and you can only contribute 20% of your net income as "Employee" to 401K, that is only $3000. even you can contribute another 20% as "Employer" contribution to 401K, then you need to maintain 2 separate 401K accounts.