While we currently live in Stephens City, VA, we’re open to investing in other states where the numbers make sense.Real Estate Goals & StrategyInvestment Focus: Buy-and-hold rentals, short-term rentals, and potential multifamily propertiesMarkets of Interest: Open to investing outside of Virginia in cash-flowing, landlord-friendly marketsCurrent Stage: Learning, networking, and preparing for our first investment propertyLong-Term Vision: Build a diversified rental portfolio that provides financial freedom and generational wealthWhy I’m HereNetworking: Connecting with experienced investors, agents, lenders, and property managersLearning: Gaining insights from those who’ve built successful portfoliosCollaborating: Open to partnerships, joint ventures, and creative financing strategiesWith my sales background, I understand the importance of negotiation, deal-making, and relationship-building—all of which I plan to leverage in real estate.

@Daniel GrantzRecommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

Quote from @Erica Dike: If your vacation rental is designed for everyone, it speaks to no one.

., if the business is not a "rental" business per tax code, we count that income as non-passive and offset other income (W2, etc) similarly.Does anybody else have some guidance (or opinions) on this matter?

I have over a hundred rental units I own and operate in Utah everything from homes and condos to larger multifamily.Salt Lake County has higher property taxes and is basically built out already and Ogden even though you can find good opportunities in the long run it won't be able to compete with South Utah County or Eagle Mountain. 

What documents do they require, what credit scores do they allow, how do they verify previous rental history, etc.?

LA City here~How do you market your rental to insurance companies directly for temporary home placement?

Purchase price: $550,000 Cash invested: $150,000 Sale price: $800,000 "Acquired a 3-unit beachfront property in Carolina Beach, renovated to increase rental value and resale potential.

Over the years with rental increase, today these both rent out for $1,350 each for a total of $2,700.

If your friends have a rental they should hire a tax professional.