Yeah, item 5 promissory note vs performance deed process is not super clear. 

Real estate investing is not passive or easy.

I've got to say, learning creative financing has been super empowering and I'm happy to pass it on.Happy to connect with you as well, @Eliott Elias!

Then I had another one where the buyer brought as is under the impression that legalizing would be easy and found out it was not ever allowed and a portion of the structure had to be demolished because it was built horribly and a hazard as built.  

The "easy" answer - short term rentals where your brother participates materially in the operations - this would mean 500+ hours a year.It sounds simple from a tax planning perspective. 

Our key amenity highlights include an easy to use gas fire pit and Seattle Mariners themed corn hole.

Agents and property managers are easy to find on BP.

I would just go on VRBO (or similar) and look how people design their properties where it really matters (they are trying to rent to daily guests and design/amenities are super important.

It is pretty easy to use and send out postcards.

Super helpful in finding potentially motivated sellers and calculating ARV quickly.