"The average new-home list price in the county is on the rise, but when we look at project level data, we can see that San Diego is not fully immune to changing market conditions.

Using a professional gives you arms length immunity and they are presumed to be knowledgeable and have liability insurance.It's just not worth the savings.

The Chinese, English and Asian Buyers who are driving the price of luxury apartments sky high in the major cities around the world, are not immune to the Real Estate Cycle.

I have become used to it and immune.  

yes I was mainly a HML in the south  MS AL GA TN IN SC FLA  we got our teeth kicked in is what happened.. people thinks rentals are immune they are not.

I am considering allowing a very small dog, requiring all dog paper work (immunizations /city registration) charging $75.00 more a month in rent, and doing monthly inspections. 

Besides the obvious qualifiers such as being infected by the virus or losing a job due to the virus how else can one quality?

Cited in IRS Chief Counsel Advice 201640014 it is noted that "1402a13 was intended to apply to those who 'merely invested' rather than those who actively participate" - this is also based on the above caseCited in the counsel memo above - Riether 919F Supp 2d 1140 "Limited partners are those who lack management powers but enjoy immunity from liability and debts of the partnership".As noted - OP still has a steep hill to climb.

There is also the doctrine of "Adverse possession immunity" Adverse possession immunity  that apply to publicly owned lands.

From Treas Reg §1.121-1(b)(2):...In addition to the taxpayer's use of the property, relevant factors in determining a taxpayer's principal residence, include, but are not limited to—(i) The taxpayer's place of employment;(ii) The principal place of abode of the taxpayer's family members; [Empasis Added](iii) The address listed on the taxpayer's federal and state tax returns, driver's license, automobile registration, and voter registration card;(iv) The taxpayer's mailing address for bills and correspondence;(v) The location of the taxpayer's banks; and(vi) The location of religious organizations and recreational clubs with which the taxpayer is affiliated.Always good to work with your CPA on strategies such as this.