Here’s how using a Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA) to invest in real estate enhances these benefits, especially for those looking to diversify their retirement portfolio: Tax-Advantaged Growth: Real estate investments inside a self-directed account grow tax-deferred (traditional SDIRA) or tax-free (Roth SDIRA), meaning rental income, appreciation, and even gains from selling the property stay shielded from taxes until withdrawal—or forever in the case of a Roth!

You might find VRBO guests book longer stays, vs Airbnb that is weekend heavy.  

I really would want to stay away from any office properties in depressed or even semi-depressed neighborhoods, especially large ones (like a 13 unit complex).

yup stayed in the land bizz till late 80s and was in land and timber in the 90s and of course from middle 90s to now I have developed about 500 to 600 lots for homes.And all the while I bought land to flip..

You also will still need to manage your property manager  - ie, stay on top of expenses, ensuring your property is being managed effectively etc. 

If they’re not lying and you let them stay without charging anything.

Generally I get 3-5 year minimum stays.

I find the vast majority of my stays are families that love the games and 30-40% of the time they bring their pet as well.

For another business I run I do post daily accountability in a FB/mentorship group and that does help me stay on track.

One time I had a guest smoke and it went right up the ducts into my unit, it was awful.I'm conscious about how that could potentially affect guests who will be staying in the upper unit in the future.