I once heard that all arguments happen for one of the two reasons: either we call the same thing two different names, or we call two different things the same name.

@Drake BackmanBigger Pockets is a great place to find a tax strategist specializing in real estate taxation.A good real estate tax strategist can save you thousands of dollars by leveraging entity selection and formation, tax deductions, cost segregations, bonus depreciation and tax planning.I recommend finding a tax  strategist specializing in real estate taxation, business taxation, financial planning and tax planning.Consider working with your tax strategist remotely to expand your options.I would also recommend looking for a tax strategist willing to work with you throughout the year.

Maybe the reason you disagree with the dollars is that you are comparing a cash on cash rate of return with actual dollars.

My first STR, and plan on splitting between self use and renting to help offset costs. 

If you paid $950k and only get $1M after selling costs, don’t bother with the 1031.

That's not the same as paying cash.According to a different post, your credit card debt costs you $600/month.

Let's say it's $100 a month and the cost to install a fence is $3,000.

Most likely trying to find a sucker to buy this and take over the costly legal battle they are entailed in.So next time someone is like "yeah just get a deed in lieu at closing", think twice about that.Actually, I use the deed in lieu.  

I used to do essentially free consulting with new investors on it but gave it up for some of the same reasons - everyone thinks you can just sit at home and buy good properties across the country that are in great shape. 

We’re fortunate to have an above-average income and live well below our means.This summer, we’ll be moving to Detroit (PCSing in August), and we’ve saved about $120,000 to invest in addition to having funds set aside for the home we’ll purchase in Detroit.The reason I’m posting is that I’m struggling to decide how to best allocate the $120k.