I have had multiple STRs in the nashville area.

It's simply a numbers game. 

It sounds like you’ve got a solid foundation and a smart game plan, especially with the house hacking strategy.

I have said it multiple times including on BP,  "Buying property at Tax Sale is the most hazardous way to buy real estate." 

I would like to use the garage as a game room for the kids.

I added arcade games, board games and accept pets as well.

When you add that: "The downpayment and closing costs would be one large hurdle"; I can't tell if you can only afford to do this once (thus tying up whatever you have saved) or multiple times.  

Quote from @Jay Hinrichs: I think so at least for the ones we read about on BP..I had the same experience total loss on multiple syndication deals So I am feeling pretty good about how we are doing..

We lost multiple 6 figures in EMD$. 

Multiple vehicles of storing money; fixed income, equities, crypto, alt investments, real estate, etc.What avenue makes the most sense for you to get into real estate?