. -- appears to have some properties that would cash flow well, but may be limited on long-term appreciation.I'm looking to stick to market-rate properties.  

Cash has no limitations or second parties that can capsize the deal.

My business partner and I bought into it  quickly saw its limitations then just as quickly canceled our service  within two weeks.

Third: even if your new toy qualifies for a huge depreciation deduction, your allowable deduction may be limited, and may even be zero.

However, this may limit flexibility and take time to scale.

Excluding the periods of “tulip bulb” irrational exuberance, a property must produce enough of a risk adjusted return to satisfy both the ROI demands of the “limited partners”, and the income/time requirements of the sponsor.  

Here's an article with additional FAQs on cost segregation studies that you may find helpful and should answer some of your questions above. 

I am a firm believer that most of the reason is between our ears, and the potentially crippling self limiting beliefs are the biggest problem.

If you finance conventionally you don't have that limitation, but you can set your own goal. 

But if the OTA has a significant market share, there are limited options for the host.