These accountants believe that purchasing from a related party is fine as long as it is an arms- length documented market-consistent transaction.   

Once you have consistent, high levels of cash flow then consider the “company vehicle”.

@Matthew Beasley, not really anything consistent from the folks in the Charleston area. 

But the answer for everyone may differ.Here are the personal attributes I see in those able to achieve a higher than market ROI, enough higher to be able to “scale”.1- Knowledge of real estate principles, real estate law and real estate finance2- Minimum 3 -5 years full time, or near full time experience directly related to real estate investing3- Ability to utilize technology for increased efficiency, capacity, and accuracy4- Excellent hired legal counsel and excellent hired marketing help5- Established method(s) of obtaining consistently high QUALITY deal flow6- Ability to manage and choose people who are NOT employees: Attorneys, Appraisers, Mortgage Brokers, Real Estate Brokers, Title Companies, Surveyors, Marketing Specialists, Accountants, Contractors, Consultants, Property Managers7- A VERIFIABLE track record of success8- Ability to identify, analyze, and negotiate a deal that can be “worked” for “enhanced” ROI9- Some type of competitive advantage; for example for me it’s my ability to analyze and identify mortgage loans that are actually less risky than all other lenders believe (on the investing in debt side), and on the real property side it’s my ability to analyze”pull the trigger” with LESS information than other investors need,  combined with the ability to pay cash, or raise significant capital almost instantly as well as being able to obtain loans at the lowest prime customer bank rate with no recourse or personal liability.  

The appeal, in my experinence, is a steady local base plus some vacationers passing through.I’ve got a freind who scooped up a place near the Ozarks and found that while huge cash flow was harder to come by, the consistent occupancy gave them fewer headaches over time.

And for an OOS, I always advise to keep things simple at start, don't get greedy, go for quality and consistency, then work on maximizing monetization later. 

For instance, a friend of mine transitioned into the BTR market in Austin, Texas, after noticing consistent rental growth.

The reason i ask is airbnb consistently has gotten less host friendly continuously since inception (i have had my STRs on airbnb since their year 1).  

@Grace Norton adding to what's been written already, you'll want to get a 2-year work history for both.To consistently pay rent, requires consistent income, which requires consistent employment.Pretty simple concept!

Anyways, knowing the area seems a good advice seems a good advice and a prerequisite for consistent success.Regards, Rui