Investing in NNN lease (Walgreens, Dollar General, etc are your tenants) is also fairly passive, but you maintain a bit more control. 

How many weekends do you want to drive up north to find, purchase, setup and maintain an STR?

You need to be able to change keys in between tenants to maintain access control and the security of your property.

In the latter case, I would still use QB to enter info provided by the 3P servicer and to maintain my general ledger for the lending business.

(Usually you cannot use prior employer history until you have been at your new job for 6 to 12 months, depending on the underwriter to show that you are maintaining the same level of bonus/overtime/commission income that you had at your prior employer).

Here’s how I’m currently thinking about it:The interest rate on my existing property is 3.5%, so I’d like to maintain that rate rather than refinancing the entire loan.

.: It's a fake pose for the Google streets camera.

However, I'm unsure about the costs of maintaining the SL in Spain, especially cause I read in some forums that these costs can be pricey..Do you have any views on the above based on your experience?

The combined entity would pose a significant challenge to other competitors.The offer is still under review by a special committee of Seven & I’s independent directors, with no guarantee of a final agreement.

Your property is fairly destruction proof, costs near nothing to maintain, yet you can charge above market rents.If your property is nicer (class B) where the carpet alone might be $6k or more to replace when the tenant spills hair dye everywhere, you won't be as happy as in the situation above.