. $4K per month is kinda my magic number for making this work for me, so I'd love to hear your specific numbers.

Same as an LLC with a personally guarantee  magically takes away the liability from the personal balance sheet as well. 

I’m not saying anyone should rent if that doesn’t align with someone’s long term goals, I’m just saying that in most cases if your goal is only to be somewhere for a few years it makes more sense to rent, real estate isn’t magic you just simply can’t create a deal out of thin air, margins are the margins, rates are the rates & you make a plan based on that, but there’s not some secret way to make money, even off market deals I’ve found are often worse margins than on-market deals.

You want to have a magical place with great views but sometimes there are obstacles.One other thing you should consider when looking at places @Dina Schmid is grading and paving the access.

The only magic is that in 2004 the IRS formally made ownership of a membership interest in a Delaware Statutory Trust the same thing as owning the real estate itself. 

Pretend you magically raised rents $100 (like next year.).

The myth of the magical LLC is alive and well.

Also try Mr Clean magic eraser before you paint as it takes a lot of scuff marks off.Normally a house is broom swept and carpets have been professionally cleaned, so if the house hasn't been swept and there is garbage left behind, charge for clean up-same if you need to get a carpet cleaner in. 

Bypassing two elements.The actual job is the same.In Mexico, Honduras, Thailand, there's no concept of "permitted work", they are done by the same people when it is about fixing the house, there's nothing magical about it.So yes please use permitted work, if you want to do permitted work.

Let's make magic happen,I am willing to be boots on the ground and help in anyway I can, LET'S GO!