Quote from @Andrew Lawlor: I've been actively investing in short-term rental properties for the past three years, managing one live property and another that will go live in two months.

I sold out years ago and it was the best thing I ever did. unless your up in Madison or by the REsivour in prime areas Getting houses stripped is a major issue and letting folks just walk in is insanity in those markets NO LOCAL would remotely consider that.

In your scenario, claiming that $117k depreciation deduction could lower your taxable income from $700k to $583k, which is a huge benefit in the short term.As for the RE pro status, if one of you becomes a full-time real estate professional, you can potentially offset active income (like W2) with passive losses from real estate. 

Under $100k, were talking Old, beat up, it's coming with issues and the vast majority of time there is hidden uglies that come out later. 

Most who get tripped up are those buying the smaller multi-families that don't possess the correct use permit/historical rental license activity. 

As I continue to gain more knowledge, I am intrigued by the opportunities that real estate investing can afford while on active duty. 

My point is this, I am actively involved/advising this investor, providing local vendors contacts (handyperson, surveyor, painters, etc) and I "don't wait for them to call me", I call them weekly. 

It may be helpful:I can give you some general info on insuring the property:Here are some things to look for from an Insurance prospective:1.Any in-ground tanks (active or inactive)2.Any Knob & Tube or Aluminum Wiring3.If built before 1978, does the building have Lead Safe certifications4.Any wood stoves or secondary heating units.

that we’ve learned in our 24 years, managing almost 700 doors across the Metro Detroit area, including almost 100 S8 leases:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

I have two options 6.625% 30 year or 6.15% 15 yearI want to invest aggressively in the near future on more propertiesThe loan is only $110k and the monthly payment for 15 year is $563 and $750I will earn 2-3k a month in gross rental revenueThe property is in a declining population areaRecently rennovated, and all major things were relatively recently improved such as plumbing, the roof, a/c, electric, etc.Will require a lot of management as it is rent by the room so I may switch to a normal rental after 10 yearsI'm trying to find what will mathematically net me the most money in the long run.