They got cash in their pocket from distributions, and a huge tax write-off that you have no way of getting.REIT returns are not comparable to direct investing! 

Understand the fees involved and calculate the total cost for an entire year of management so you can compare the different managers.

I also compare with Rabbu numbers and use their STR calculator to run numbers.

Figuring out this distinction has been light and enjoyable.Insightful Tax & Advisory

We need the govt to help incentivize new construction because the margins aren't there to where we're getting enough new homes compared to the number we need. 

Cash out refi will let yo go up to 75% LTV allowing you to get that extra 5% compared to a Heloc.

What’s great about Oklahoma is that the lower purchase prices often lead to higher cash flow compared to some parts of DFW.

I'm comparing this to investing in an ETF fund, which in the long term averages out to 10% returns per year. 25% down plus all all the closing costs and various expenses could be more than 200K.

One distinction that has not been brought up, a legitimate service animal is there to provide some vital service for it's handler therefore is never left home alone while everyone goes out shopping, dinner or sight seeing.  

Create a simple spreadsheet or written list to compare the features of each and identify the ones that align with your requirements.