I've never heard money/profit described as cute, so it's not important.The most important thing you mentioned, was the rent potential and ARV. 

(For context, it's a 2700 sf 4 bd 3 bath house in an upscale Northern California suburb.)Kitchen A: Traditional, features a 48 in fridge, 36 in cooktop, window sink (no view), pantry.Kitchen B: Designer, features a 60 in fridge, 48 in range, large kitchen window (no view), sink facing living/dining room; unfortunately no pantryKitchen C: A Little Bit of Both, features a 48 in fridge, 48 in range, sink facing living/dining room, pantry, unfortunately there's no window.Total countertop space is roughly the same (22 ft)  in all three layouts.

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? 

This would defeat the triple tax savings @Kaaren Hall described above.

In the situation you're describing, all the leveraged owners of real estate will be the *first* ones to implode right off the bat (and have to turn over the keys to the bank).

View report*This link comes directly from our calculators, based on information input by the member who posted. 

I imagine some may have a better view, more bedrooms, or more amenities. 

View report*This link comes directly from our calculators, based on information input by the member who posted.

From what you’ve described, it sounds like you’re more focused on long-term appreciation and future benefits rather than immediate cash flow.

To save time we always get an accepted offer before viewing the property.