Equity is a bonus.

You don't have to worry about damage to the equipment or it being stolen.But if you do decide to buy the equipment, there is a good chance that it will be eligible for bonus depreciation and potentially 179 expense depending on your net income.

Great breakdown of Bonus depreciation for RE.

I would sign up for BiggerPockets' STR-centered newsletter, BiggerStays, as well to stay up to date on all STR news and tips.

Is it possible to take advantage of the bonus depreciation if buying multiple STR properties with a business partner?

You have no foundation at all, but he wants you to pay and sign up?

I have been offered to sign up (fee involved).   

@Andrew ThomasSorry you I was shift my focus from purchasing my personal residence to purchasing my first investment property as a realtor you should have access to a program called realist you can easily go in there and search for out-of-state or out of County owners one of the best ways to Market is handwritten envelopes it is almost a guaranteed open versus any other kind of marketing realist has so much information how long people have owned the property with their mortgages Etc I would also try to find as many wholesalers as possible and sign up for their list and look at how they are packaging their properties you will need to go and join some investment clubs a national Club you could potentially join is called Lifestyles Unlimited I'm sure the information they teach is also available on Bigger Pockets at the end of the day if you have a great deal you will always be able to find an investor for it

The downstairs tenant also has another floor available, bonus room in the finished basement, which might help with noise between tenants as well.

You are more than welcome to come, here's the link to sign up for reminders https://forms.gle/VhCj1bEbNndPcPYV7 Feel free to reach out with any questions, we run a flipping and wholesale operation here in Central Florida.