Even when I give them responses to these questions such as:"I know it's not easy, but if you don't take a risk, there is no reward""Well I plan on thoroughly screening my tenants to mitigate the risk""I will evict the tenant if they don't pay by following the processes set forth by local legislation" "I plan on having multiple exit strategies"It doesn't matter what you say to the nay-sayers, they still think you're crazy for even trying to get into it and that failure is a certainty. 

I was formerly with Armada Real Estate but they chose to become a ReMax brokerage and it wasn't a good fit for me.Meanwhile, pertinent to your original questions, there is legislation moving forward (I hope) that should help a lot to mitigate the flood insurance dilemma that many of us were facing.http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2014/03/04/322194.htmLets see if the senate approves this.

Consequently, the banks are deciding keep the property occupied and wait to see what cards they'll be dealt down the road in terms of legislation, market conditions, interest rates, etc.

You can learn more here: https://www.ashevillenc.gov/ne...Here's where you can find what is inside Asheville city limits: https://www.ashevillenc.gov/de...Here's a recent update about NC legislation that may soon end Asheville's regulatory power regarding STR's: https://www.biggerpockets.com/...

This is due to the Russian legislation concerning enterprises engaged in the food industry, tobacco trade or alcohol.

But then go on to say in this case, the legislator took the case right before legislature convened, only logical reason is because it is a delay tactic.

(Wikipedia)Additionally the US Constitution prohibits lawmaking by anyone other then the legislative branch.

another factor to consider... by floating down your student loans you are leaving the door open for more favorable conditions to pay them off (such as getting a job that qualifies for student loan forgiveness, or new legislation being passed that somehow reduces student loan debt/rates.

As of January 1, 2018:"New laws effective January 1, 2018Recent state legislation provides clarification and fee assistance for the creation of ADUs.

Some local legislation you may be unfamiliar with!