Make no mistake it isn’t quick or especially comfortable but it can definitely be profitable.As for the rent a room thing in most locales I have to wonder if the additional rent is worth the hassles of dealing with the increased time and liability of multiple tenants in one property but that’s a totally different conversation. 

You may want to make an introduction between your CPA to those 2 colleagues.The CPA can go over their services and pricing to your colleagues.I partner with many people on real estate deals - It never gets to a discussion on whether they do their own tax return or hire a professional.If a partner mentions he will provide capital - does he provide the capital on a timely manner.If a partner mentions he will find deals - does he find many deals and provide an analysisIf a partner mentions he will manage a property - does he manage the property well(find tenants, collect rent, communicate with contractors, etc)

When you do a little extra work ahead of time, the process goes so much more smoothly.

However, if it is an STR, the depreciable life would be 39 years.

But do you think that 4-5 years is not a window enough of time for them to recover? 

Figured there would be a few data points left out of the equation' that I would need to circle back with :) .There are additional units not rented at this time which could be rented to increase the income.

You might want to get in touch with @Andrew Freed and Jonathan Bombaci, they are locked into several of the MA meetups which are great ways to connect with other investors in real life.

I have called the office number dozens of times, but it always seems to be busy.

All things considered, on the market for months, its now winter time, cold weather, holidays, and dark at 5 pm, not prime selling time, I offered $250,000. 

A split time between Butte and Phoenix is pretty cool.