Fortunately we had the financial position to be able to "leave them at the alter" and go a different direction, however most consumers may not be as fortunate or prepared.

Only thing is a STR is more time and mind/thought consuming than a IRA.

Not ideal and not the route I'd advocate, but bearable.In other instances, in which a financial/tax service provider promotes non-compliance to unwitting consumers, the potential costs can be astronomical to all clients.Consumers of financial & tax services should always seek - and get - total transparency from their service/product providers.

Lots to unpack here; Insurance quotes I have seen for myself (33 years old, healthy man, single) was high 300's for a decent policy.

Even if you contest it you do so after they collect the funds back from your account, which is why the consumer's bank issues a "temporary" credit during the dispute process.Essentially you burn a processor and you're done with electronic payments for 5 years.

I charge more than Cleaning fee all year round to help pay for consumables and small breakage.

A fund would need a Security offering and then you would need a MLO or Consumer finance license or RE Broker license to make the loans in the State of CA.. one of the 3..

Add the down payment, and you're looking at a healthy budget.Two problems:You'll need to buy a fourplex or smaller.

If you wouldn't mind sharing, what are the top 5 time consuming tasks you come across? 

HELOC which stands for HOME equity line of credit, is a consumer loan product that is supposed to be used for personal or household, not commercial purposes.