Even if STRs did unlock PAL (and they don't), out of state STRs probably will not work anyway, due to the challenges in meeting "material" participation test for out of state properties.

Home to The Ohio State University with nearly 60,000 students, 5 Fortune 500 companies, over +25% population change since 2000, and the 2016 smart city challenge award winner (https://www.columbus.gov/smartcity/).

Starting a real estate business anywhere comes with its challenges, and Texas is no exception.

Highest offers with a painful agent after inspection periods is the challenge.

(Meanwhile I had to pay a "rent" that went into an account for major repairs) Me wanting a nice house to raise my children put a LOT of my own money in for cosmetic repairs and the house is now worth more than double the original purchase price. $219k - now $500k market price in very southern Maine/NH border.

It's been a very challenging time this past year, and surprisingly we haven't seen any of the market drop. 

@Samuel MartinTo secure a new property deal with limited capital and potential DTI challenges, consider Home Equity Line of Credit(HELOC) or Cash-Out Refinance, partner with someone with capital or credit, explore creative financing options, use a BRRRR Strategy, reduce DTI through income boosts or portfolio loans.

Real estate is easy to get into, but it's challenging to be successful.

Someone has to do it and I’m the only one that is strong enough to go to war with the challenges and get it done.

You're right that it is new, and there is not precedent (to my limited knowledge) that this has ever been challenged and succeeded in an audit.