A frank, hopefully insightful, dive into real estate and financial markets.

He became a contractor, worked hard, and grew a successful business that produced a lot of money.

Strong Potential for Long-Term Capital AppreciationGermany's real estate market has demonstrated a strong track record of capital appreciation.

However, if your father inherits and later transfers the home, it should qualify for a step-up in basis to fair market value, reducing future tax liability.If the goal is to tap into equity, having the trust take out a HELOC may be a better option, avoiding California Prop 19 reassessment, which could raise property taxes significantly.

i had a lot of success with direct mail and actually a fair amount with email. 

There are very successful STRs here, you just have to know the best areas to be profitable. 

If your aunt isn't in a big rush, another option may be (I'm not familiar with TX law):- Pay your aunt for a Right of First Refusal (means you get a chance to buy it before anyone, but has to be notarized by you and your aunt and filed at the courthouse)- Sell your house on or off market.

Remember syndicators are marketers first and operators (sometimes) a distant second. 

(Whatever is required by your local market.). 

Highly recommend partnering with a local realtor who knows the market.