But she loves the idea of owning real estate and the financial wealth it brings.When I found my first deal, I showed her the potential upside and she trusted me.

Neighbors dog at one point jumped the fence and bit our little girl riding her bike in our driveway, neighbors constantly argue in their front yd cursing, loud music until 11pm at times during summer months just to give you an idea.

I dont have any feedback for turn key REI but lots of experience with 1031X and my suggestion for you is to make sure you have a good idea of the exchange you're going into or at least the category of homes or type you're aiming for.

Then, more advanced stuff that those without licenses will have a tough time with: active real estate agents working the area - so i can call them to preview my house - in case they run into potential buyers they know of in their office, Then, I have Listingbook software on my I-phone ( Works with MLS data- by subscription)- that actually knows the number of searches of homes in any given area - so I can blast a promotion of my house to all the agents that have clients looking in the area (not just my subdivision -unless that is what I want), and...for the investor in me: track all the mortgages recorded against the property, so I know how low of an offer I can make - based on the mortgages on the property.

These are great questions and a great idea to do some due diligence before the purchase.

Some design and amenity ideas:+ Welcoming living space with plush seating for family hangouts+ Coffee bar or stocked tea station for early mornings before campus events+ Dining table or breakfast nook perfect for family meals+ Dedicated workspace for parents who need to check in on workFor sports fans, tap into their game-day energy and make your STR the go-to spot for a fun, convenient stay:+ Big, comfortable seating & a great TV setup (think oversized couch, streaming sports channels)+ Game-day essentials like a mini fridge stocked with game-day snacks/drinks+ Outdoor space with a grill & seating for pre- or post-game gatherings+ Good parking (sports fans hate scrambling)+ Team spirit decor touches (subtle, not tacky—think framed sports prints, not full-on mascot murals)Your design & reviews will do most of the marketing but to market directly to these guests:🎯 List your STR on sites where parents and alumni book (if allowed)🎯 Partner with local businesses—coffee shops, sports bars, or tailgate services—where your ideal guests hang out🎯 Optimize your listing title and description with phrases like “Perfect for Visiting Parents & College Game Days”🎯 Time any discounts/promotions around major campus events—homecoming, graduation, big rivalry gamesThink of it this way, you’re not just offering a place to stay—you’re creating an experience they’ll want to book again and again.

In any event you can see what the SEC thinks of modernization here:https://www.sec.gov/news/press...I have read of late that small family offices can pool non-accredited investor money to qualify that entity as an accredited investor. 

Her income now is SS of around $2400 and a basic 40hr office job that pays all of $17/hr, but she is retiring with this move.

You'll probably get some good ideas here, but I'd suggest talking to a real estate attorney soon and maybe run some of these ideas by them.

Keep your momentum going, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you want to bounce ideas or discuss a deal.