So choice is staying stock market and making 15%-20% or buying property and MAYBE breaking even. 

Mailchimp also I believe is free up to a specific number 

We like the short-term rental idea because we could stay at the property ourselves when we want - summer break, spring/winter breaks, etc.Our budget will be right around $1M or less ideally, and we would like a short distance to the ocean.How likely is it that we could find a property as described above and have it cover or come close to covering the mortgage? 

Basically, there's no free lunch when it comes to taxes.Depreciating property lowers your tax basis.

Or free up more of your time depending on your goals?

Please feel free to reach out if you want to learn more.

Would love cash flow, of course, but if I could at least break even on a highly appreciating property, I'd be happy with that. 

It’s wise to start with breaking even and ensure you're comfortable with the costs involved.Happy to connect if you'd like to discuss more!

Hey Denny - For rehab costs, a good place to start is breaking things down room by room and getting rough estimates for common repairs like the roof, HVAC, kitchen, light cosmetics, etc.

@Jae Yoo you should read your PM contract very thoroughly or even hire an attorney to do so, before thinking you can just break it.How would you feel if a tenant just broke their lease with you?