From what I can tell, the extra equity on the house could be utilized to provide better ROI.  

Buying through an agent may provide more transparency, while sheriff sales and auctions can offer deals but often come with risks, like limited property inspection or legal complications.

This experience has provided me with a strong foundation in acquisitions, valuations, and deal sourcing.

Usually will work in GA, NC, OH, TX or FL areas.I am always willing to take advice from experienced investors on topics I may be unsure of and I am also able to provide my own perspective on topics I've studied, have been through or just my opinion in general. 

Again, this is only based on info you provided so there could be a lot more to the story for the good or bad but I can only comment on what was provided. not sure many are thinking rates are going to drop much in the next year.. seems like one would want to know how much they need to drop to see if the plan will work before putting good money after bad.

But you can run your own tests on this.

I was wondering if you know how to answer this question without providing the word “Skip Tracing” to them.

While I do believe that some of the posters on BP are able to do a quality job self managing their portfolio of STR properties, they are spending a lot more time doing it than they’d like to admit.10 years ago in many markets STR provided outsized returns.  

There are areas outside the Tahoe basin with a short drive that can provide for solid short term or long term income streams and still pull in the Tahoe goers.

You're running a business...you are not a social services provider.