I don't think Red Deer south is a smart bet right now. 

Yes, it's more work up front, but we have an investor relations team dedicated to performing that work so it doesn't distract us from operations. 

For example, do landlords in that neighborhood charge for coin operated laundry, or do they hold pet deposits?

We are operating on the assumption that Lakewood market is pretty matured at this time.All thoughts welcome!

Who wants to bet the daughter has maxed out student loans, they both have iPhones, and make needless purchases? 

Say I want to buy a property to operate it as a STR (with material participation avg < 7days stay).If I travel to the beach to see some properties I am interested in, am I allowed to deduct the travel, stay, meals as expenses?

You materially participate in an activity if you're involved in the operation of the activity on a regular, continuous, and substantial basis.

Your best bet is to contact the County you plan to build in (Miami-Dade County or City of Miami) and see if a stamped set of plans is required for the development of land and building Deparment permits.

I do expect an ROI but my bet is that if I lead with value by actually trying to help homeowners (and lose potential deals in the process) that I’d build goodwill in the community and more than make up for it with:1.

It has to do with the LLC Operating Agreement you use.