Eric,, I think why people go for the fund model is the idea that they are spreading their money into multiple notes being held by the company.. while in theory this is great but as you noted you don't really have any security compared to being the beneficiary of the debt instrument IE debt is in your name. 

So, it's still NOT a good idea to try to invest by zip codes - which are too big in our opinion/experience.

This is a cool idea. 

So I wonder if I can sell my home in Idaho, purchase the new one under my personal name, then how many months or years must pass before I can setup an LLC as the owner of my primary residence, or if you think that will be a good idea? 

I’m exploring the idea of buying a vacation home near Yosemite, which I also plan to list on Airbnb.

Interesting - I think it may be a good idea to run full returns on your properties - cashflow, plus loan paydown, potentially appreciation and tax benefits.

Get an estimate from a GC to get a good idea of what is required.Market Comparables: Check what similar-sized homes with finished basements or additional bedrooms are appraising for in your area.

. - If you can't afford to stage, virtual staging some photos is a good idea. - On this one it's hard for buyers to see what they're going to do with all of that living room space so some virtual staging helps paint the picture. - Lastly, the colors are basic and I think we're seeing a shift where buyers aren't just wanting the black/white kitchens anymore, maybe try to find some accent pieces you can add in for cheap.

I've been up there once so I don't know the area very well but have a general idea.

(Social security, pension, 401k, etc)It is hard to retire on $350,000 of net worth.Even if that is generating 10% cash flow, you are talking maybe $35,000 which is $17,500 for each person.I personally like the idea of seller financing a home at that point, potentially exclude the gain on sale if it was their personal residence and get a nice interest return.If the house is big, it also allows them to downsize the home when they look for something to rent.