You need to start thinking a little more thoroughly, and be able to articulate, and test, your assumptions.

You can, and should, interview them and ask them all of the appropriate screening questions - but you won't be able to "test" them out without contributing significant capital as part of your test. 

If you don't have the vision to have MANY airbnbs in Champaign I'd suggest figuring out a strategy you have a long term big vision.Pros:  High cash flow (if done right), typically properties are oddly better-taken care of, sexyCons:  Management/system intensive, always on call, regulation can change things instantly  

I like real estate because its time tested over decades.

I'll test it out.

Wanna be gurus, usually salespeople with little real estate investing experience, “audition” with the seminar companies akin to a screen test” in Hollywood.  

@Wendy JiangBe honest and say no as mold testing is typically only done when there are visual signs of mold and has never been any signs or complaints.There are many factors outside of mold that can contribute to breathing problems.I would offer that if you wish I can order a hygienist to come to teat for toxic mold - but if it’s found to be negative the costs for the testing would be at your expense.

Some cliff notes:REP status requires 750 hours in real estate activities, and then after you hit that, the test is materially participating in your rental activities.If it is a short term rental with less than a 7 day rental period, if you materially participate, which could include at least 100 hours and that is more than anyone else, then yes possibly can use the bonus depreciation against other sources of non-passive income. 

Changing the tractor's oil in the driveway was another favorite: keeps the dust down in the summer.The developer risk is if that solid ever gets tested (phase one or phase two environmental study) you may have to dispose of it as toxic waste, which is super expensive.

If any issues were to come up, you can easily call a vendor you trust to remedy the solution.Short term rentals are obviously more time intensive but even then they can be easy to manage.