It takes time and patience, but the long-term benefits are well worth it.I’ve personally gained invaluable knowledge, listings, and deals from friendships I’ve built over the years.The more people you engage with, the faster you’ll achieve your goals!

Just trying to gain a sense of hot or cold. 

Even if you only averaged 2.8% appreciation annually, which if you've had it 20 years I have no clue how that's true given prices have well more than doubled in that time, youre skipping over the fact that you have been benefiting from that appreciation on the ENTIRE house, not just the % you paid for.  

Luckily the family in my rental is paying $9000/mo (3x my mortgage) so I am gaining signifigant wiggle room for mistakes.

I'm eager to learn from experienced investors and gain valuable insights into the world of STRs.

You wont pay capital gains when you sell the house as long as it is in the SDIRA but you will have to pay normal income tax when you withdraw cash from the SDIRA after retirement but would you rather pay income tax on $90K or $300K?

Starting sooner rather than later allows you to benefit from long-term appreciation, build equity, and gain hands-on experience, even with a smaller property.

Does the EU have similar types of benefits? 

It will familiarize you with the basic terminology and benefits.

Everytime you sell you will be taking part of the gain tax free.