I would disagree with number 2 - in this environment, heavy rate buydowns are a common tool in the toolkit for lenders and borrowers to make deals work and are in no way indicative of "not being well-capitalized"

STRs have platforms that do much of the heavy lifting to advertise your unit once you've set everything up.

I currently work in the Information Technology sector as a programmer analyst and am looking to start this exciting adventure toward financial independence using real estate as the vehicle.  

The other "economical" areas are going to be more management heavy (think cheaper houses that are expensive in the long run) and the A/A+ neighborhoods will be very difficult to get cash flow (think Elmwood Village or Hertel Ave duplexes that are $350-400K but gross $3600/mo on the top end). 

It should be noted that basis adjustment does not apply to stocks held within other Qualified Retirement vehicles like Annuities, IRAs or 401(k) accounts.

Bonus deprecation can be used on equipment and vehicles too.

But, nearing retirement and then, will be looking more at the type of vehicle  you supply. 

Also just replaced carpet and painted the walls because there was water intrusion from heavy rainfall.

They handle everything, Bond, Liability, Commercial vehicle, Comp, HO insurance and builders risk.

Hire one that is heavy into STRs.