Get an estimate from a GC to get a good idea of what is required.Market Comparables: Check what similar-sized homes with finished basements or additional bedrooms are appraising for in your area.

I recommend a simple spreadsheet to check your math and it will make it simple to adjust each year.End the complaints.

Check out Paul Jang, Victor Reynolds, Elijah Bryant there are others out there who aren’t as BIG as Joe who will give you more bang for your buck and are still accessible.

For cash flow, I'd recommend checking out the Triad (Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point) or Fayetteville in NC and Sumter and Florence in SC. 

for folks in So cal  I think Vegas is a great choice   1. you can drive there   keep in mind flying to other parts of the country to check on property is going to eat up 1 months rent if you go annually.2.

Im not an STR SME - I would check with Mike Savage and Dan Rivers - theyre the local experts on STRs.

Had a quick question.I purchased the property for $500K about 10 years agoI'm selling the property for $575K with the Fire DamageI received an insurance check of $380K for the fire damage.After Paying off the Mortgage + Escrow + Realtor Fee's, I'll be left with about $150K.My question is will I get taxed on this $150K?

Check with an architect first to be sure you can fit your vision into the existing lot, as it's zoned currently.

Here are a few suggestions on how you can maximize the wealth of information available: Check out the blogs and podcasts, or take advantage of the search feature (magnifying glass).

It's always better to check with your brother's CPA since he has all the background, but I would say short-term rental with material participation requirements met by your brother, then do cost segregation.