Some builders risk policies don't provide for live in.

I invest in Boise, ID and do quite a few BRRRRs, LTRs and STRs- varying degrees of success depending on how much equity we can force and the type of back end financing we can find, but the tax benefits are great and it's a rapidly growing market and Idaho is probably the most landlord friendly state in the nation. 

Additionally, most servicers will provide the tax documents needed at end of year (1099-INT, 1098-INT) and can also issue notices of NSF, late payments and support delinquency /default.

Make sense with our need for inventory nationally, but this is also very market dependent.     

Whether you should take a retirement distribution or not depends on several factors1) How much do you value the freedom/flexibility to ues the money NOW compared to when you are 60 years old.2) What type of return can you get having cash vs investing in an IRA / SDIRA.If you can make a 1% - 2% better annual return in your personal name, it may make sense as the added return will pay for the penalties over a couple of years.I personally cashed out of my retirement account back in 2016 and it was the best decision I made.

Here's an ideal PM contract: The two keys are: The PM is incentivized to make you money, not charge high fees, and is contractually bound to provide reporting that you can understand in a timely manner. 

This service is provided by several authorized 3rd party companies.2024 update: If you file more than 10 1099s, you MUST eFile them now.Here are some of the online 1099 filing companies, and you can easily find others:tax1099.comWageFiling.com1099online.comThese companies charge under $5 per form.

If the property does not require an extensive rehab and just needs cosmetic repairs then a standard landlord dwelling policy in most cases depending on the carrier.

Quote from @Iris Wu: @Steve Mitrano, Hi, Steve, do you mind providing an update on what you end of doing in this case?

Damage to the garage, depending on how much and what it is, charge them and get it fixed.