Even as my portfolio grew exponentially, my work/life balance continued to improve. 

At my point in life everything I own is both a cash flow superstar and appreciating nicely, because I'm invested in growing, popular areas.If I was just starting off now, I'd probably be aiming for value-add in good areas where I could either live there while improving the unit(s) - ie a duplex, triplex - or where I could trade sweat equity for profit, or both.

Before listing it on an STR platform, I need to make some improvements to my current home.How can I maximize tax write-offs for these improvements?

It's all about the location, you might be able to buy a cheap house, but if it's in an area with nothing but other cheap houses and in an area that is "not desirable" you're not going to make much money on it, either in improvements or rent.

First you need to learn to separate the following:Maintenance: usually things related to wear & tear or tenant damage.Repairs: usually broken items like doors & windows, caused by tenant or nature.Capital Improvements: usually expensive things that wear out: hot water tanks, furnaces, roofs, etc.The seller is correct that Repairs & Capital Improvement items should not be a factor for awhile (ALWAYS get your own inspection to confirm).

Then this past February the company said that the new improved share price would not be disclosed until further notice and that redemptions would not be available until next year.

Over the past 6 months I have been really researching and devoting myself to self improvement and learning.

For every ONE PERCENT that cap rates move against BAM they have to improve NOI by $6,000,000 just to BREAK EVEN on the property value.

Improve the property2.

This could improve your margins.Occupancy Rate: A 60% occupancy rate seems low for Jax Beach, but that is a reasonable conservative baseline.