Even if I take the 15% tax hit I would make $32,000/ year on the remaining $400,000.    

We are both analytical and enjoy working with numbers.  

When choosing tenants (I am in California), it's important to avoid even the appearance of discrimination, especially during in-person meetings.

I filled out their survey and provided some constructive feedback, even though I don't own a STR here.

In southern CA, even garage conversion ADU additions are typically costing more than the value added.  

I'm working on getting my bigger pockets pro account finalized even though I've been a member for about 1.5 years.

,Renting your primary home back to yourself isn’t typically allowed by the IRS for tax purposes, even if structured through an LLC.

I’d love to take advantage of a “traditional” mortgage (or even FHA?)

Id keep looking if it was not an approved short sale ( even an approved short sale takes a very very long time and theres no guarantee that you will even close on the house after months of waiting). q1)There are plenty of non traditional lenders that could offer you construction financing if the numbers make sense but it will cost you with points and a higher rate.

wild. 8. if you dont want to close in an LLC, you can still close in your personal name. 9. there are lenders with competitive rates if long term rents are greater than 1.1 of debt on the property (PITIA). however, there are also lenders who will allow you to do 80% cash out refinances with DSCR if DSCR ratio is 1.0. there are lenders that allow you to buy real estate at 20% down EVEN IF DSCR ratio is only 0.8. which means the rents are less than the debt on the property.