I only ask to be heard, and to hear my story and perhaps for the newer investors who are just starting out it can shed light on how hard this path can be.  

Same as what you did, I have decided to start my path to financial freedom. 

I leave it to the reader to determine what path is correct for them. i will continue to advocate for direct bookings and being on multiple OTA platforms.  

There is an alternate path that bypasses the dump, just need to either build it ourselves or get the town to build it. 

.- Son to have RE license and path to life he desires.  

Buying a single-family home (SFDU) and renting a portion to him is likely the simplest and most immediate path.

There are numerous paths to wealth in this country; they can't all align with your goals.

I do not know him, but the path he is leading you is a difficult path    Note difficult does not imply impossible; there are people who are successful with S8 housing    In my area s8 is so undesirable that they write laws trying to make it challenging to not allow S8 tenants.  

Most part time and full time investors use these loans due to the simplicity and straight forward qualifications. 

We still owe roughly $900K on a 3% mortgage.We’re planning to retire abroad and are weighing two options:1.Sell the home – I already have a buyer lined up, so this would be a straightforward exit.2.Rent it out long-term (furnished) – While I don’t think the rent will fully cover the mortgage, it might come close.