So demand for travel is lowering back to historic levels while the supply of STRs in many markets has increased by a lot.

(I know, nothing is certain but just hypothetically) and all cash out loans are not created equal. if you have a lot of equity you can borrow up to 60% with the lowest rate possible, which would be close to a half point lower then borrowing up to 75% loan to value. 

Not to mention staff, I’d check on the number required to stay up to ratio throughout the day, night ratio is likely lower than day ratio.

Off-market deals are key if you go this route, so networking is huge.Out-of-state investing is another option people love, especially in markets like PA (Philly, Scranton) or even down south where prices are lower, and the landlord-tenant laws are more forgiving.

They lower taxable income for federal taxes but not for FICA.However, employer contributions made by the S-Corp are not subject to FICA and count as a business expense.Make sure your W-2 correctly reports wages, deferrals, and FICA wages.

The only other option would be to get a coborrower to bring the down payment or get seller financing with a lower down payment. 

Depreciation lowers taxable income now but is subject to recapture at a maximum 25% rate when the property is sold.

I'd recommend starting with the lower hanging fruit than a large basement reno - if your comps are close but don't quite get you to your number.Finishing the basement (with proper egress) could push you over the top, but confirm with an appraiser first to ensure it counts.

One of the most common reasons is the lower cost of living.

Aren’t DST’s essentially syndication deals, but with much lower returns (though they do accommodate 1031 exchanges)?