For example, you could create a weighted structure where a percentage of profits is based on cash contributions, and another portion compensates for rehab or management efforts.Rent Payments and Tax-Free Profits:If you structure it as an owner-occupied property, the rent you pay could be shared proportionally, but tax-free gains on resale may only apply to your share, as you’d be the owner-occupant.

So your capital gain when you sell this property will be calculate against your tax basis and not against your mortgage as many investors expect.

You’ve gained valuable experience from your first duplex and are now approaching real estate with a strategic mindset

Of course the listed price may not be the actual rented price, but by tracking several listings for a while you can gain a better understanding of the market.

These are non-performing mortgages and the homes are vacant and in preforeclosure.This doesn’t fit my typical passive, turnkey investment model, but I am considering taking on a local property as a “fun” project.

You make $10k from STR, you have to come up with $22k out of your pocket, not to mention the upfront $100k down payment and possibly another $20k to furnish the house unless you bought it as an existing STR.So in summary, in today's market, it's impossible to buy a STR and be a passive owner and still make enough profit to cover your mortgage payment. 

Most likely raising funds from passive investors would utilize a Reg D 506 b or c safe harbor exemption from registration.  

Depending on comfort and cash, it might be a viable option as you can build equity and then sell without having capital gains, assuming it's your primary residence and you've lived there for 2 years.

And, the longer you wait to act, the longer the squatter stays - and even gains some legal protections to stay while your waiting on a slow court system to act on an eviction. 

*As a side note, I think maybe it would be fun also to try and identify where new technology or machine-learning driven approaches could increase efficiency in the spaceAs for my financial situation, personally, I have around 50k saved but 20k of it is tied up in assets I don't want to pay capital gains tax on.