At my point in life everything I own is both a cash flow superstar and appreciating nicely, because I'm invested in growing, popular areas.If I was just starting off now, I'd probably be aiming for value-add in good areas where I could either live there while improving the unit(s) - ie a duplex, triplex - or where I could trade sweat equity for profit, or both.

@Bob DoleWell, it seems like you have a very good grasp of the situation and the desired outcomes you are looking for.

His reputation in the real estate world is garbage and he loves to say he does not trade time for money yet to find, purchase and renovate over 700 properties, deal with Section 8 tenets, time spent dealing with lawsuits etc he is doing exactly that. 

Publication 15, Employer's Tax Guide, says only this much:...Payments for the services of a child under age 18 who works for their parent in a trade or business aren't subject to social security andMedicare taxes...No definition, and IRS publications are not really law anyway.

I personally HATE maintenance, so i find jazzy ways to "trade" that with tenant.

What was the outcome?

Power washing the exterior, repairing the driveway, and painting the front doorWhat was the outcome?

If real estate traded on a screen, this may be a good strategy.

If they think they have an "Airbnb" Unless they own the publicly traded company, then they only have a STR, or a vacation rental if they have a nice place/location.

Bought under assessed value, slight value add through cosmetic rehab (paint, light fixtures, flooring) What was the outcome?