I believe they ignored it in large part because they financially benefitted by advocating that STRs are recession proof.  

Here’s an example of bonus depreciation.Here are some of the current trends that are highlighting the importance of a cost segregation study.Contract Logistics Expansion: Experiencing growth in contract logistic divisions leading to outsourced warehousing and distribution activities.Warehouse Technology Advancements: Integration of AI, robotics and IoT allows for operational efficiencies including reduced labor costs and improved safety.Warehouse Automation Growth: Significant growth signals a need for efficiencies and the adoption of new technology.Warehouse Space Expansion: There are ongoing developments in the warehouse space to help support the growing demand for infrastructure and warehouse space.Robotics and AI investments: There is a demand for faster throughput and immediate fulfillment which is causing investors to invest more into AI and robotics.Cost segregation becomes an even more critical tax strategy as there is an increase in investments in automation and technology as it frees up cash by creating additional tax savings.Some of the financial benefits that a warehouse investor can expect from a cost segregation study include:An increase in cash flow for automationImmediate tax savingsEnhanced warehouse property valueImproved warehouse ROI by reducing tax liabilities and increasing cash flow.There are many items that can be reclassified for accelerated depreciation through the use of a cost segregation study.

The true benefits of real estate investing are realized when you hold.

I own a property in the Disney market and co-host/manage another 25 in the area.Disney I think is a good market if your goals are more aligned with traditional long term real estate goals, and a bad market if your goals are more immediate gratification and short term cash flow.The major benefit of the Disney market is that it's about the safest market you can find from a long-term perspective. 

I’m also open to any advice or help that may benefit someone like me who’s totally new to real estate or better yet new to investing and creating a portfolio all together.

Each role has its own challenges and benefits.

It's probably worth doing a cost/benefit analysis to see what makes the most sense to do in this case but I don't think buying rentals while renting is necessarily bad. 

Plus it would have to be a banger of a property for me to have that kind of confidence in it going the distance through all the market cycles, regulation changes, OTA market shifts etc at which point I may as well buy it.Which circles back to my original point- if I am not owning and benefiting from the appreciation, why should I absorb so much risk and upfront capital if instead I can find an underperforming property with potential, take a guaranteed return off the top and invest almost no money on my side? 

In short - here are the reasons I pivoted to Real Estate Investing:All the benefits of Real Estate + growing STR optionsInflation raging at 10%/moCurrency wars and what or who will win them (Prec Metl or CDBC, etc.)Equities markets receive derivative pressures from credit markets and pressures on US dollarRealistic 10+ year opportunity in using Creative Financing, given monetary policies.Global disruption and impact analysis of COVID to businesses (small/large) and individualsWhat I was (originally) looking to get out of the program:Better understanding of Real Estate and it’s MarketLocally like-minded ppl that are more about collaboration than cannibalization (not reflective of BP in any way – this community is great too)Improvement in comfort level working in REI and learning “on the job”A community where I could find deals, connect with ppl for help and ask questions, etc.Business and Corporate Structure recommendations to accommodate short-term & long-term investment strategiesAnonymity strategiesAccess to vetted contracts for traditional, creative and gator (EMD) Real Estate dealsMy experience and feedback based on my expectations:Great original 6 week mentorship program.

An LLC is not necessary, but there may be benefits if you understand what you are doing and do it correctly.