Real estate markets correct themselves and normally on a localized level.

But is WORTH it if you can do the correct things and really learn how this works.  

Correct, think of the IRA as a separate person.

The correct way to measure the overall performance of the investment would be through a Cumulative Return or Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR).

Looking to purchase one and struggling with the right calculators to determine the real metrics.As I understand it (recently looked at buying a former bnb) you need to treat it like any other STR with your extra costs such as food, etc  baked in to the expenses.

I think you did the correct thing here. 

But, in the event you really are persuaded that it is important to separate each asset, ensure that whoever is managing the books/monies on the LLCs are doing it 100% correctly as even a small mistake can allow would-be litigants to pierce the corporate veil and render all of it in vein anyway. 

If you brought your spouse and 2 kids with you, and you could argue all of your argue of your time on the trip was looking at real estate, and your personal business and activity circumstance defends being able to immediately deduct it and not treat it as a start up cost... likely 75% of much of the travel costs (airfare, food, etc) would be non-deductible. 

Make sure to gather the correct contact information for your representatives and ensure you grasp their inspection procedures.

You’re correct that simply owning property in the U.S. doesn’t make someone a U.S. resident for tax purposes.