What is the best alternative flooring that you would recommend? 

Those that own real estate will want to be active, those who are limited experience and time look at it as an alternative investment and want an expert to manage it just like some hire a financial advisor for their stock portfolio.

Alternative strategies: Are there techniques or approaches better suited to markets like this where rents are so low relative to property prices?

Were you able to find a way to make that income count, or did you pursue alternative strategies to qualify for financing?

Directing the traveler to pay outside of Vrbo  Directing the traveler to contact you via social media  Providing alternate booking methods that avoid paying any fees to Vrbo  As a reminder: all communication, payments, and bookings must be made via the platform through our secure checkout. 

Consult a real estate CPA or tax attorney to assess if the benefits outweigh the fees and risks for your situation, and consider alternatives like 1031 exchanges or installment sales for simpler strategies.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

Problem is only "RE pros" get to do it.There are 3 income classifications in the US - Active, Portfolio, and PassiveActive income is income derived from your job, or normal trade or business.Portfolio income is derived from bank instruments - stocks, bonds, etc.Passive income is income earned from investments.Active losses can wipe out both passive and portfolio income, but it doesn't work the other way around.Portfolio (capital) losses are limited to $3,000 annually.Passive losses can only be offset by passive gains.Real estate rental income by its nature is deemed passive per IRC Sec 469One way to get around it is to become a pro - spend more than 750 hours or 1/2 your time in real estate.But most folks aren't real estate pros.

@Mic Salvador,Doing BRRRR out of state is going to be pretty tough, unless you’re willing to move there and live on-site for the duration of the rehab and leasing process.I run a turnkey operation out in Alabama and I saw that @Min Zhang already recommended turnkey as a possible alternative—have you given that any thought?

Alternatively, you can use your home's wealth to pay down other expenses, thus improving your cash flow to handle your mortgage payments.

What alternative method(s) would you recommend for beginners?