The STR guest doesn't expect to earn anything beyond their regular pay during their vacation.

Lead Safe certificates have a lower standard and the tests are cheaper, however the certificate and registration needs to be renewed regularly.

Key Principles:Mindset and Goals:Think Long-Term: Real estate is a long term play in most cases Set Clear Goals: Define your financial goals and how real estate fits into your overall plan.Finding the Right Property:Location, Location, Location: Invest in areas with strong economic fundamentals, good schools, and low crime rates.Cash Flow is King: Look for properties that generate positive cash flow (rental income exceeds expenses).Consider Appreciation: While cash flow is primary, also consider properties in areas with potential for long-term appreciation.Financing:Get Pre-Approved: Get pre-approved for a mortgage before you start looking at properties.Leverage Wisely: Use leverage (debt) to your advantage, but don't overextend yourself.Consider Creative Financing: Explore options like seller financing or partnerships.Building Your Team:Real Estate Agent: Find an experienced agent who specializes in investment properties.Property Manager: Consider hiring a property manager to handle day-to-day operations.Accountant: An accountant can help you with tax planning and financial management.Attorney: Consult an attorney for legal advice and contract reviews.Managing Your Investment:Maintain the Property: Keep your property in good condition to attract and retain quality tenants.Screen Tenants Carefully: Conduct thorough background checks on potential tenants.Review Your Finances Regularly: Track your income and expenses and make adjustments as needed.Example Action Steps:Set Your Goals: Define your financial goals and how real estate will help you achieve them.Educate Yourself: Read books and articles about real estate investing.

And if you're losing money, you'd get that writeoff against your regular income plus the depreciation writeoff.Still, I'd find better areas where even if you paid retail or say 10% under retail, you can do a little better than lose 1k a month.

Either option is good but they both have pros/consNEW BUILD - You'll have all those warranties, 1 year, 2 year, 10 yearEXISTING HOME - You might have more freedom for what you can do with the house, no HOA & larger backyardA lot of new builds are offering interest rate buy downs that are lower than the regular market right now.  

My realtor isn't showing me anything that isn't on the regular residential MLS and she doesn't really add any value to these larger deals. 

ALL taxable gains carry over for the rest of your life or until you choose to sell without exchanging.

Plus a regular home will have established value and appreciation while a container home will be hard to comp.

I have not read the Virginia law on this, but we fund deals for wholesalers in Virginia regularly, so to the best of my knowledge there are no rules requiring a real estate license to do a same day back to back closing.

(I don’t know if a regular warranty company would use this as a reason not to cover you as well, especially if the repair was expensive.)