I'm a local Denver agent primarily, but I'm familiar with some of the challenges up in the mountains because no deals make sense running the quick math. 

Quote from @Saquan Johnson: I would reach out to local rehabbers in that area and also higher-producing agents to get this info.

They pay you rent, and they operate a parking business.

I'd recommend speaking with local specialists in your target market to look at multiple investment options side-to-side.Lastly, some of my clients have been encouraged to stay away from HELOCs unless they expect a lump sum (inheritance, sale of other asset, bonus, etc.) to pay off the HELOC in the next year or 2. 

I am looking to buy my first investment property and have seen strong fundamentals in Indianapolis (job growth, population and median wage).As an out of state investor, I am looking to connect with investors/agents in the area to build further knowledge on specifics with the markets and hopefully bring business to in the future!

The similarities are strong with the brothers with their behaviors, such as, suspending distributions to investors and other poor business practices.

TurboTax has rental property features, and the IRS has a great guide on rental income, deductions, and recordkeeping - IRS Rental Property Tax Guide.https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/tips-on-rental-real-estate-income-deductions-and-recordkeeping2.

If I purchased a home locally I’d have to ask well beyond the market rate on rent just to break even.

The nice thing about the arbitrage business model, is the companies usually pay you a monthly rent, and then they handle all of the AirBNB stuff. 

I'm in Orlando and active in residential real estate as a Realtor® and also serve on the board of CFRI, the local chapter of the National REIA.