Beware of trusting people with a profit motive.

Like a lot of people, I use PriceLabs, so my rates are different every day.

I thought to open a new thread about Blacktip Construction Group who has taken peoples deposits.

However, it has shown me that that type of contracting is not my passion and I want to really take my life into my own hands.

but you are right in not handing over any money until they are out and you have the keys.

I have about $180k in equity in one of my investment properties and I have a nice amount of cash on hand and I have an idea that I would like your thoughts on.  

So, you are simply suggesting get my, “hands dirty,” with Long term rentals, rinsing and repeating the “house hacking” strategy before even considering STR’s and meeting REPS and Material Participation requirements to maximize tax write-offs on my future W-2, correct?

Treating this child like we treat everyone, as we hand the document to sign: "And this is the no smoking addendum, just be aware, dont allow anyone on the property to smoke here, inside or outside, its impossible to get the smell out of the house" How would you approach this?

You'll find a ton of resources here and lot of people to network with. 

I've heard of people just putting their friends or family down as rental references and such, and forging pay stubs, but always hoped I would never encounter this.