Quote from @Ben Trageser: If you live in your short-term rental (STR) property in a future year after claiming depreciation, depreciation recapture does not occur immediately.

The chances that you currently live in a city meeting all these criteria are low.

Most of us don't live there. 

So I decided to go to my listing every day and change little things (upload a new picture, switch the order of the pictures, change the title of the property, add more or different info in the about section and edit price) The next day, we went from 0 bookings in January to 71% occupancy! 

Live below your means, find roommates, or live with family for free. 

I have learned that in today's world of information you do not need to limit your investment to just markets you live in or normally travel to. 

I live in SW Washington.

My son currently lives in the townhouse b/c he is going to school and works in the area.Since he is young and starting out in life, I would like for him to only cover the basic costs (taxes, HOA, utilities) just enough for me to break even (I believe that will put him slightly little lower than market rent rates). 

Our 1st property we are living in now would positive cash flow if we moved out, but thats because we had a lower rate.

Living in a camper van for 3 years while working remotely is impressive — that kind of adaptability definitely carries over to real estate.