I am a real estate professional and, combined with my husband, we are just a bit over the highest income tax bracket so this could make a difference.

It earned about $35K a year, which combined with is retirement and social security benefits, provided him with top shelf top shelf living facilities - assisted living and then memory care.  

Their combined monthly income is 3X my rental amount but the man's income is in cash (he is a car mechanic).

To qualify, taxpayers must meet specific criteria demonstrating that they are real estate professionals who materially participate in their rental activities.How to Navigate the Rules:Step 1: Identify your real property trades or businessesHere is a list of activities that are considered to be a real property trade or business:RedevelopmentLeasingConversionConstructionReal property developmentReconstructionOperationRentalBrokerageManagementAcquisitionIf you participate in multiple of these activities, you may be able to combine them making it easier to meet the material participation hour requirements.Step 2: Demonstrate material participation in real property trades or businessesThere are seven tests to determine if you demonstrate material participation.

For example, I'd like to see a sponsor making $150,000 - $300,000 in base salary income from their combined portfolio of projects, if they are managing my money full-time.

Thank you yes that make sense, inclining towards using a combination of free sites and select one paid site like FF, in fact I am looking similar to you for 3 months minimum stay and yes, rooms are furnished.

It combines the pride of owning a tangible asset with the potential for value growth.

As for combining income that gets a bit more tricky. 

@Jonathan D. great goals, make sure you combine action and education everyday!

Combining these strategies often gives investors the best balance of cost, simplicity, and security.