We had to fly to check on our properties for 3 years when my husband was transferred out to the west coast, and it adds a lot of costs even when there are no emergencies so you can plan cheap flights, rental cars and lodging.

The buyer didn't want me to do it, I didn't want to do it, as I have pets and I knew I'd have to get lodging for at least 24 hours.

If you have to stay overnight, then your meals and lodging are deductible.

Still, should I worry about any zoning laws for running what's basically a lodging house/"Crash pad"???

If the "lodge house" doesn't work out in the long run, my plan is to simply rent out the entire place in the traditional sense.

If your $ is tight like me, fly in on thurs anf fly out on Sat night - that will save you a night in lodging.

@Johnny Brown If you are really interested about hotels go to this conference in LA tomorrow The Americas Lodging Investment Summit in LA on January 27-29.

And the fishing lodges I go to up in Canada have wireless.. 

I believe 28 days is the cut off and only if you are set up for short term rentals (daily or weekly rate with a lodging license).

Last week I attendedthe Serviced Apartment Summit in New York and both STR / Smith Travel Research and All the Rooms presented their findings on higher end extended stay lodging options.