They treat their employees really goodWhich I think is a green light 

@Eamonn McElroySo when a car dealer offers “employee” pricing meaning the price is discounted for that employee, is that a taxable event ?

Also the market and level income (5 miles surrounding the property) is critical and off course the NOI so:I am wondering how you guys evaluate a deal  before investing your money?

I’m a W2 employee that likes to buy and fix up short term rentals.

In your example of being called into the office you were obviously working as an employee of an investor or PM however this example doesn't work well when compared to the function of an independent management "company".

I am a property owner that employees a management company that I have been with for a number of years.

Hmmm, hard to contest the price evaluation because I bought it at 320k and thats what its valued at.

@Bruce LynnThey could but in reality it’s not the actual federal govt employees that are the biggest factor it’s all the lobbyists and government contractors that flock the area.Every large company has a contingent of people here to grease the pockets of all the politicians

The cost of an employee (depending on your state and business structure) can really add up once you account for all the overhead which goes into their work (labor, equipment, insurance, taxes, business administration). 

Good ones are still out there (I published an ebook on how to evaluate them if anyone is interested).As far as DSTs, I have yet to talk to a single investor who found a DST that was attractive.