It's always tough to know if someone is just complaining or truly has something to point out that you can improve on.

BUT my wife and I are having a tough time keeping up with it.

one of the developers across the street from my project is selling 1k sq foot homes for 525k  I suspect he has sold a few but you get the point. when lot costs and building cost before you even go vertical are about 250k pretty tough to build anything new that is "affordable." its why condos and townhouses are generally starter or the cheaper housing..

Tough in California of course, but I would wait until you find an area where you can live and house hack.

Then you need to materially participate in the activity, here are the tests to meet MP: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/material-participation-...I recommend tracking your hourly diligently in a material participation time log.

The costs involved are about $100.000 all in (permits, engineering, architects labor , materials ) - I’m thinking that would be a better long term Investment than another SFH . 

In this case, the material cost AND install costs will vary, so having an idea before you even meet the contractor is important.  

With the new additions that are coming in, they don't have jobs so it might be tough on them.If you like the tenants, then I would increase the rent and still do the background check.

Hey @Adrian Roytberg, this is always a tough question.It seems that you have zero experience in running/managing a STR so basically you want to learn on the job.

I am assuming you would be paying for materials and replacement appliances, etc... so $1000 per month for labor to take care of 5 mobile homes should be seriously looked at down the road.