Your journey into short-term rentals sounds like an exciting shift—I can feel your energy for taking on a new challenge. 

If they don't have the energy to do 5 deal analysis, then they will want their hands held by the coach all the way thru and that won't work. 

I hope your attorney can help you and remember to stream your energy to find the next deal yourself so you can cover this loss; this is the most helpful way to let go of that feeling of being scammed.

But the answer for everyone may differ.Here are the personal attributes I see in those able to achieve a higher than market ROI, enough higher to be able to “scale”.1- Knowledge of real estate principles, real estate law and real estate finance2- Minimum 3 -5 years full time, or near full time experience directly related to real estate investing3- Ability to utilize technology for increased efficiency, capacity, and accuracy4- Excellent hired legal counsel and excellent hired marketing help5- Established method(s) of obtaining consistently high QUALITY deal flow6- Ability to manage and choose people who are NOT employees: Attorneys, Appraisers, Mortgage Brokers, Real Estate Brokers, Title Companies, Surveyors, Marketing Specialists, Accountants, Contractors, Consultants, Property Managers7- A VERIFIABLE track record of success8- Ability to identify, analyze, and negotiate a deal that can be “worked” for “enhanced” ROI9- Some type of competitive advantage; for example for me it’s my ability to analyze and identify mortgage loans that are actually less risky than all other lenders believe (on the investing in debt side), and on the real property side it’s my ability to analyze”pull the trigger” with LESS information than other investors need,  combined with the ability to pay cash, or raise significant capital almost instantly as well as being able to obtain loans at the lowest prime customer bank rate with no recourse or personal liability.  

Hey all,I have been listening to Bigger Pockets content for maybe 4 years and finally have removed myself from some side hustles, have the capital, and grew the...brains to start real estate investing.QUICK BIO:I am based in New Jersey, I work as a marketing/efficiency consultant, and have 2 avenues of real estate investing:Short-Term Rentals: I have 3 short-term rentals using my parents apts in NJ ( 1 of them just launched in Nov) for the past 2yrs near NYC (1 of them just launched in mid-Nov).

The most tax efficient way to fix and flip a home you plan to live in would be to live in the home for 2 years as your primary residence.

It's a great path, but it takes time and energy.

I think its worth the time to and energy as it will pay off and if you end up with a bad deal it will serve as a learning experience. 

What I do have is relentless energy, focus, and the drive to succeed in real estate.I’m diving headfirst into multi-family and commercial real estate because I know this is where true wealth is built.

.#3:  Short cuts are not efficient.