The idea aspiring investors get mesmerized with is basically to start in real estate and somehow build a portfolio out of thin air.

Sufficient infrastructure: Companies select locations with major airports, highways, and a large population of potential workers.

I feel better now, but perhaps I should start looking for a lawyer who can help on the matter of the tenant taking in her mother without my permission and they having walled in the deck with heavy curtains, which impedes air circulation, etc.  

Im sorry, you act like you know the exact algorithm used by Air or VRBO, because "you worked for Amazon". but you are only guessing, as are most people. again, there are a lot of good hosts and owners, it is always going to be hard to get on the first page, hoping the filters help rule of competition.

Would even pay for their air ticket and help them buy a house.  

Im more a hands on learning definitely and as far as living in a unit i couldn't yet because its out of the kids school district  plus the limited space. but thats the goal, to buy a small air or inn to manage and run for work while still renting in our district and then looking to buy since we're renters again!

YoutubeTV is a great alternative to cable for local news, sports, over-air stations, etc.

Ultra wealthy to me is the exact opposite of what got you there.  5/3 house in Nice and another in Buenos Aires.  

Grocapitus is a breath of fresh air.

A lot were doing air bnb up until the new rules came in place for the city of San Diego but you can still find a property outside the city that you can potentially do STR with to cash flow.