Both Ecobee and Honeywell are great options for smart thermostats so you can remotely control the temperature settings and set temperature ranges. 

I met a real estate agent by random chance the other day so I have talked to him about my situation a little, but i came to this  site to find more options, learn more, and find the best way to set myself up for success down the line.

Lancaster city limits short term rentals to only certain zones of the city so definitely look at the city website for that information.

I currently assign these scores manually, but it’s tedious and limits how quickly I can evaluate opportunities.Ideally, I’d like to:•Automate the collection of MLS/Zillow data.

If you can invest locally, that's going to be your safest and best route to being able to manage the property and limit your expenses.

It seems like there are so many limitations to buying real estate with self-directed IRAs. 

The agent was getting pushed pretty hard by his brokerage to get this signed before putting in an offer, so I caved, but limited the date. 

And to really take care of your mom use your annual gift limits to gift back to her the rent she pays. 

I've used them for setting up real estate Trusts, but that's about it.

If you purchase over that limit, you just put 25% of the difference down.