When the crap hits the fan, pooling of money for deals will absolutely function like a pyramid scheme for some unscrupulous operators...they will rob from Peter to pay Paul, many times without bad intentions.It also takes good internal record keeping to keep from commingling funds.

Been reading a lot and it does seem like the numbers regarding cash flow for a single family home on Maui (right now) wouldn’t work too well.I understand and accept that passive income is for the people who’ve built a massive net and are at the top (but even then I think they have to work and make sure their system stays functioning)I really want to learn more about owning/operating vacation rentals, specifically in HI if possible and specifically the tax part of it (now with the shift of the 2018 tax laws).I’m going to dive through the forums and try find more books on the topic.

It functions just like any other loan, always escrowed through title.

Biggerpockets search function - Use the search function to see if a BP colleague requested a CPA/Attorney in your area.

Even so, a HELOC functions more like a credit card rather than an actual loan.

The vehicle is my primary mobility device and contributes directly to wealth building and the safety of my family, in all other ways it’s a liability I have a semi functioning truck and some real estate tied up in my late fathers estate with with about 25k in back taxes plus lawyers fees.

,IMO you need a work truck for your properties.. something you can do dump runs in, get drywall, get flooring, something that can be very functional!    

The vehicle is my primary mobility device and contributes directly to wealth building and the safety of my family, in all other ways it’s a liability Liabilities all my “poor guy stuff”I have a semi functioning truck and some real estate tied up in my late fathers estate with with about 25k in back taxes plus lawyers fees.

You'll also have to make sure all plumbing, electrical, and furnace are functional before moving in.  

I would like to start a discussion and/or get input from you all on a decision I've been back and forth on: buying an existing property management company or growing organically.There are a couple of threads on management company valuation with very helpful opinions, but none seem to address the purchase of an established, fully-functional, long-tenured property management operation.