Out of my 32 properties, I’ve seen insurance rates drop by up to 40% on renewals, and property tax increases are finally slowing down compared to the crazy jumps we saw over the last five years.

Which increases paperwork & costs for little benefit - if any.4) You'll need an entity in the US.You need to discuss all this with a qualified tax professional or attorney.- For our clients, we provide consultations with a tax attorney that handles over 300 foreigners legal & tax needs.

I just can't accept such a constant ever increasing loss, even if I can afford it. 

While the vetting of residents is greater with FF over an Airbnb or similar platform, I think Airbnb overcharges for the increased convenience. 

If you have access to some money you can increase your equity in one jump.

Hopefully kept good records of improvements / anything to increase the basis2.

Quote from @Basit Siddiqi: I personally would not buy real estate with a retirement account.There are just too many headaches that are not worth the potential increased return.Some headaches when it comes to investing in real estate with a retirement account1) LTV values are less and harder to find lenders.2) Potential to sell or partially distibute the property if you have to do a RMD(Required Minimum Distribution)3) If you run out of cash and have to make a major repair, you may be out of luck and have to sell.4) Having to potentially worry about UBTI(Unrelated Business Taxable Income)I would personally invest in stocks/bonds/notes with a retirement account.I buy deals with cash and use a ROTH SDIRA so there are no RMD's.I buy at huge discounts to retail.

High ceiling looks great but increases your utility bill.

Depreciation recapture applies at ordinary income rates capped at 25%, increasing your tax liability.

Increase in property value as a long term hold until the right number comes around that you were looking for. or b.