Just so you know, Vrbo and Airbnb will not allow you to receive an inquiry through their platforms, and then take the booking off-platform, they want their cut of the money. 

I could get the same or higher overall ROI by putting my money in an index fund which is 100% passive.Deal #2This seems like a good deal to me at the asking price.

They loved it because they got some play money right away and steady income each month without having to deal with toilets and tenants.

Now the paper losses are still able to be realized via the holding companies while the management fees are earned tax free?

We only needed to pay earnest money and a portion of the closing fees bring upfront investment to 12-15K.

Cash and Hard money How did you add value to the deal?

You should consider private money!

With it being that risky, the least I could do is have some money saved up.

Even if you’re not getting money back on your taxes, you’ll have the peace of mind knowing your return is accurate.

At minimum, stage the living room and primary bedroom to give it some warmth.That said, have you thought about cutting bait and putting your money into a market where the numbers actually work?