I’ve even seen a friend in Austin organize a simple field trip to another city..from what I’ve heard that kind of trip can spark interest in fresh markets.

I have always thought it was kind of pointless to call their current landlord since they are going to give me a stellar review of their rental history if they want to get rid of them.

He is the kind of personality Floridians roll our eyes at.

You'd hope they won't be that stupid and kill the goose that laid the golden eggs or they'll ultimately pay the price at the ballot box, like the previous Portuguese government.As is often the case, that kind of article sadly doesn't provide the necessary context to the uninformed reader - and I'm not talking about you, of course :). 

If your product is nice, I believe you'll attract the right kind of renter (factory worker, lineman, etc). 

@Clayton MobleyThank you for your kind words.

So invest in some kind of real estate like apartments that need heavy lift and get the bonus.Otherwise life settlement partnerships can also give you big deduction year 1. 

I'd consider doing some kind of cash out refi on the property at a number you're both comfortable pulling out, while still leaving $ for reserves to maintain the STR you currently have.

what kind of investment was/is this  a little more detail may protect others if you think this person is a financial predator.  

That kind of shoot-from-the-hip approach can be fun for a minute, but it usually ends up like my old buddy Rick’s first deal.. he bought a distressed fourplex in Tucson years back without a real plan, and while he eventually turned it into a solid monthly cash flow, he spent the first six months sleeping with one eye on the tenant ledger, praying the HVAC wouldn’t bail on him after a hot desert day.