Quote from @Sam Lewis: I understand the benefits behind hard money lending, its guarenteed return from your cash... however, what cases would a hard money lender trust someone they don't know/barely know?

Most cost segregation firms will provide a free cost/benefit analysis quote to help you determine if the tax benefits from the study will outweigh the costs.

In my experience, being upfront about wholesaling and explaining that you’re looking to assign the contract has resulted in numerous signed agreements.

Renee, I'm a conservative investor, and so do not feel they are a match for me personally (for numerous reasons) so am not invested myself.

If family lives in the main home and friends stay for free in the garage, the property remains a primary residence, but there’s no rental income or tax benefits.

I always recommend people ask for a free cost/benefit analysis to determine if they will benefit from the study.

This is due in large part to major corporations like Intel, Honda, Nationwide Children's Hospital, and Wexner Medical Center investing heavily in the region and creating numerous job opportunities.Additionally, working with an experienced agent who knows the local market can make a big difference. 

There are good tax benefits, but you should really decide on whether you want to own and operate a business that requires as much upkeep as STR before exploring it further.

what is the benefit of putting a new STR into service towards the end of the year vs the beginning of the next year?

You should consider investing in RE outside your retirement account as well since there are different tax benefits available.