However, this is a difficult qualification to meet, especially if you have a full-time job outside of real estate.Don’t worry if you aren’t able to qualify for REPS status, because there is another strategy that is referred to as a “loophole”, which is the STR strategy.Per Section 1.469-1T(e)(3)(ii)(A): there are six exceptions where your rental property income is not automatically considered to be “rental activity” and thus may unlock the door for being able to offset these losses against your active income.The average customer use is seven days or less.The average customer use is 30 days or less and significant personal services were provided (for example, daily housekeeping).Extraordinary personal services are provided, regardless of the duration of customer use.The rental is incidental to a non-rental activity.The property is available during defined business hours for non-exclusive use by various customers.The property is used in an activity conducted by an S Corporation, partnership or joint venture in which the taxpayer holds an interest.If your property qualifies by meeting one of the exceptions above, the next step is to demonstrate material participation in the rental activity.

He goes above and beyond, plus the holidays are coming up.

So the $8000 buys you exclusive training, deal review and gets you into the "club."

I'm a veteran also and co-host a small monthly networking meetup exclusively for veterans. 

Unless you find an attorney that exclusively practices in this area, they won't have that level of knowledge.  

Happy Holidays and New Year!

The 14 days or less than 10% of rented days refers to the exclusion ratio. 

And for those not covered by them, there going to get you exclusive discounts because they are a volume client.

The issue with RUBS is that it is fluid and it hinges on the # of occupants and this poses issues: 1) A child uses less than an adult; 2) a worker from home uses more than one that drives to work; 3) A couple may have a child during tenancy which they fail to divulge; 4) friends and family may visit for a few days during holidays.... etc. etc. etc.  --- and... these issues become issues for the other Tenant and then turns you into the constant 'utility police' because you constantly have to monitor # of occupants... eww. 50/50 is simple and simply understood and 100% while vacant is also simply understood.

Happy Holidays!