The idea that you can build wealth without putting any money into it is a recipe for disaster and the sales pitch of gurus trying to steal your money.

The sales pitch seemed like exactly what I need, by design I know.

I was thinking to keep it minimal.

Regarding Mecklenburg (Charlotte) specifically, many HOAs have rental restrictions (such as a minimal lease requirement), which can make STR tricky. 

That's the big 'what's in it for me' pitch.

Pitching prohibited. 

@David TiefenthalerBrandon Turner's book offers valuable insights into real estate investing with minimal money down.

We wouldn't use it the field because of legality issues with claims they make, we use something a little much more concentrated, but it's great solution for someone who's trying to DIY it.Tests can be great to minimize the what IFs people have and to get a tenant to stop bothering you about it, we have worked with a number of landlords in the past just giving them information so their tenant had some piece of mind.

The up side on large down or all cash is you minimize your risk plus fewer properties means less work and less headaches. 3 properties with large debt or 1 property low debt or paid off generating the same or more income as the other 3.

If you just rent the property and provide the minimal essentials you should be fine in treating as Schedule E