They have considered changing these rules to help lower insurance costs HOWEVER, they would grandfather existing owners - at least 50% use as short term rentals so changing these rules wouldn't fly otherwise.  

Be a fly on the wall.

Agreed on the in-kind not being the best way to fly, but it was necessary for at least a couple of years - RMD's exceeded rental income and selling wasn't an option. 

@Sean P. unless you go the FNMA loan path, you may have challenges self-managing.Most DSCR lenders either want to see you're experienced or you'll need a professional PMC.Most investors learn best by jumping in and learning on the fly.

I used to fly through Dallas and Houston a lot coming back to Portland and on one of those clear blue days and when the approach is through the Columbia Gorge with Mt.

Flying out to KC, Indy and Memphis in July.

Other than that, i would plan on flying out to inspect properties.

I am actually planning to fly out there on Monday to check it out and do some good research. 

As I do not trust things remotely, I will fly to london and meet the guys face to face.

How often did you fly in to do something in person yourself?