@Arn Cenedella there is a bit of merit of what you break down... but I think you're forgetting to factor that you have to live somewhere meaning that where you live is not an investment in the sense that it typically does not produce cash-flow while you live in it.

There are several threads debating the merits of ways to collect rents.

He founded vworker which he sold last year for an undisclosed, but surely obscene amount of money.Anyway...if this interests you at all from a ground floor investment standpoint...PM me and I'll get you in touch with him.Like I said...I am very uninformed on the topic so I can't argue for or against its merit...but thought I'd pass it along for anyone interested as it seems this has become a hot topic here on BP.

They are also happy to support non-meritocratic systems, such as public schools, affirmative action, etc. because they do not seem to truly believe in the concept of merit.

Your idea has merits but I would play with numbers some.For example, if you borrow 25k at 8% for 60 months then the payment would be ~$506.91If you sell at 75k with a 25k down payment at 9.99% for 204 months the payment is ~$510.29You get the back 144 payments for free, $104.098.90.Note, if you seller finance you will need to pay an RMLO to originate the loan and then have it professionally serviced, these costs are not in my example.Send me a PM if you want my spreadsheet.

. ;)It is an interesting topic though, and I can see some merit to remotely manageable thermostats and water leak notifications.

The singular objective for investors should be the validity of the merits of the deal.

Casually familiar with the investment merits of Tampa and Orlando, what's the appeal of Lakeland?

A discussion of this topic MUST use a qualfier of locations to have any merit.  

A lot of times there is no merit and you'll likely win on summary judgement.