What the Midwest isn't: 1) An appreciation bell cow, but it also doesn't dip like the coasts either (think more stable) 2) SexyI see some questioning if the Midwest is truly legit, because RE agents are chiming in here trying to get business. 

I don't post much or check in here all that much but I've had such a response to the HELOC program my wife and I did and the consultant that helped us through all of it.

Most of what you mention is flipping, which can give you big chunks of cash when you sell, but comes with inherent risks and challenges… not the least of which is you being out of state trying to do them.  

Things will get “complicated” if you try to buy more than 3 replacement properties.I don’t see a problem with her renting you a space in her commercial building as long as she charges you “fair market rent”  (then she could leave the property to you at her passing.)

I was recently involved in a thread where the OP was almost radical in her dedication to her short-term $savings at the expense of long term gain, and yet was bemoaning having had a mentally unstable tenant turn vicious on her.If you "face the beast" you must expect to be battered mercilessly at some point.

My mom is in her 80s but she might live to 100, so if I were in your situation, I would not be thinking about "would it be better if mom died".Academically, I think you could inherit her shares at a stepped-up basis.

Inherently, STR's are more risk.

Have you faced obstacles with high-interest rates in private lending?

The thing is, our mortgage is at about 2.8%, and I don't have to tell you how much higher it would be if we refinanced to get the mortgage in her name alone.

Elderly woman in her 80's needs to remodel her 2 bathrooms.