The issue with section 179 expense is that you normally have to operate at positive income.Under most circumstances, bonus depreciation is better since you can take bonus depreciation even if you operate at negative income. 

They don't buy it and operate it.

Id recommend the single-family rental because you have more control and you don't need to worry about some greedy operator screwing it up 

@Sean Doyle - Toledo is the only city I operate in.

If you’re ever looking to invest in Florida, @Josh Green has a successful STR operations going on in the Tampa Bay Area that is providing his clients with solid returns year round.

LPs vet the operator first, not the deal.

It should be noted that the cases were prosecuted against companies that owned and sold thousands of properties nationwide, not against small time operators, but anyone who attempts to follow the model is better off hiring a well versed in the subject matter attorney and be aware of state specific restrictions (like in NY, Wisconsin and others) on Deed for Contract agreements.  

Most PMs concentrate on marketing, and at least somewhat neglect operations.  

It could be a game-changer for streamlining your operations.

Living in a great travel destination like Sonoma you should consider a duplex or triplex and operate the other unit(s) on AirBNB, VRBO, etc.