Most CPA will say they work with investors who own real estate all the time and that is probably technically true because so many people do have one or two properties, but that doesn't mean they treat their properties like investors, nor do those CPAs necessarily know how to take advantage of real estate tax rules.

I highly recommend anyone who has been taken advantage of to file a police report.

@Vamseedhar VuppuBoth would have their advantages. 

@Crystal Mendoza if you have time and the ability to self-manage there are some tax advantages that you should include in this decision. 

Hi Kelly, this is a great place to learn and to connect with people so take advantage of all the great resources.Welcome aboard and best of luck investing!

I've been taken advantage of financially of, 2 properties broken into, etc - being 2000 miles away is a huge negative. 

Being a veteran, I knew I could take advantage of this.

However, the new Community Development Grant (CDG) program simplifies access to critical funds, offering three distinct grant categories:-Small Grants (up to $250,000)-Medium Grants ($300,001 to $5 million)-Large Grants (over $5 million)These grants can support a wide range of projects, including office, retail, cultural, industrial, and mixed-use developments of more than 10+ housing units with ground-floor retail.

Also, before doing so ensure you can take full advantage of a cost segregation on a STR.You don't need to amend prior year returns to claim it. 

To answer your question, I am a passive investor and probably will stick to the doors I have until the opportunity presents itself (probably won't happen since I'm very casually looking for it.)As far as 1st lien HELOC and investing goes,  it seems advantageous to me to have the option to reinvest from the LOC if the opportunity falls on my lap as opposed to having debt/equity tied into a conventional loan.