If the marginal cost increase in buying a house that can be house hacked (a house with a basement, a duplex, etc.) is less than the rents you expect to bring in from renting the additional space, why not do it?

@Trent Reeve completely agree, but I'm hoping this helps some operators start thinking about what they could offer additionally to keep boosting their revenue.

Additionally, Gilbert and Chandler have emerged as strong markets for short-term rentals, benefiting from a combination of year-round tourism, a family-friendly atmosphere, and proximity to major attractions.

Here is the source for the commission rate, right from the Sitzler NAR lawsuit judgement (bold text added):"In addition to training, Plaintiffs have presented expert testimony showing that Section 2-G-1 had the effect of stabilizing commission rates.

This reminds me of the story of a wall-street banker convincing a fisherman who already has time for his friends / family to instead scale his fisherman business(get employees, integrate, then sell the business) all of which will lead him to be able to spend time with his friends and family.It already sounds like you have a great life - spending time wth family and in great health.Having additional money doesn't sounds like it would improve your life that much.

.- Additionally, you can track income and expenses consistently using software or spreadsheets.If you track everything, you could show a loss and use that to offset other earned income (such as a W2) which will net you a bigger refund.

Wanted to revive this post and check to see if anyone else has additional information or input on rental in Cahokia, IL / Cahokia Heights, IL . . .

Some additional details needed:1.

Although I still think conventional is the better option, I wouldn't put 20% down if I didn't have to, unless you know you'll live in/own the house long enough to recoup that additional $. 

I would never buy a STR if the deal didn´t have either of the following, in addition to making sense as a STR: A. an obvious pivot (LTR, MTR) as my safety net if the market moves against me or B. have some additional RE benefit that would make it a deal using a different strategy ex.