To complicate things 1) he has no vehicle.

My back ground::: I have been primarily a Heavy Diesel Mechanic most of my life.  

The investing vehicles differ from person to person.

Those that don't stay ahead of the curve will be left behind.I'd be more concerned about the various factors playing into home ownership trends if your investment vehicle is SFH - such as home ownership among millennials, aging population, consumer and student debt, etc. 

I had no debt besides minimal debt for a vehicle and twice as much saved a few years ago, but with buying the first home we spent a good deal.

We've had heavy rains the last month and I've had standing water in one part of my basement.

This means the initial interview is perhaps your most important interview in this audit.You need to get your proof of material participation time in good order and technically correct before your first audit interview.You should have a record of the time you spent on this activity.Your record of time spent should be made on a timely basis (kept at least weekly).As you do for the mileage record on your vehicle, you can keep a test record for three months in a row if that record reflects the average time spent during the year.In the initial interview, the IRS is going to scrutinize your travel time to ensure that the primary purpose of your travel is business.

So you want your rent to fall into the heavy percentage area.

It's also not quick as opposed to rentals and or flips but in my personal opinion its a lot more lucrative than some of the other investment vehicles.

Not a lot of cash flow but I was in the deal heavy so I'm happy with it.