@Chris SeveneyYesAllOf those things, just don’t forget to have receipts for everything you deduct from the security deposit.

If it is in San Diego, it will likely be a sophisticated value add and not passive.So if you house hack a local property at high LTV, recognize it will cost you significantly more than renting a similar unit.  

Many of our clients have done this and secured much better terms....EricThis spreadsheet decision is based on what you can afford and when you expect interest rates to fall.

I always research companies first before doing business, but that comes from my training and working on security issues, especially after having my sites hacked. 

I think the truth that your post brings is in the level of sophistication and market insights of the investors and investment sponsors that are prevalent on these forums, the amount of money we are talking about, and the general idea that real estate, even when directly owned, is passive in nature.

Security systems are a giant headache for short term rentals.

The other factor to consider is less tangible, but comes with mental security.  

We leveraged our expertise in negotiation to secure it at a competitive price of $140,000.

You can secure a 30 year fixed on a 1-4 unit residential and a commercial building.

Some jobs require that when working remotely that they are at home and not some other place like a public place for security reasons.