Very few hits at this time.

If so, just bide your time.

I am taking my first steps toward FI and am interested in real estate investing.

You are right my CPA is not being creative enough and it maybe time to look for a real estate focused one with experience in STR.

One strategy we employ is to give preference to those who are from out of the area and here for a set period of time (and then presumably leaving back to where they are from).

Pest control, this one we typically do a curtesy first treatment and then any subsequent treatment is up to the tenant whether they want to keep the service or do it themselves. 3.

Just got my first investment property under contract and it's time to get myself set up to manage the rental business well! 

If you're getting back into the lending game for long-term hold investors, a realistic “ideal” loan might look like this:Rates: Somewhere around 6-8% interest, depending on the risk profile of the borrower and the property.LTV: 70-80% LTV is solid, especially if you're aiming for lower risk.Term: 5-10 years works for LTR investors who want stability.Fees: Reasonable origination fee (1-2%) is expected, but avoid nickel-and-diming borrowers with hidden fees.Prepayment: A soft prepayment penalty could be fair if paid off in the first couple of years, but after that, no penalties.Speed: Being able to close quickly (within a couple of weeks) would be a huge plus.In short, give investors a competitive rate, decent terms, and flexibility on prepayment, and you’re golden.

An LLC requires additional time, effort, and money to set up and maintain and juice probably isn't worth the squeeze.

I want to slow my life down a bit and enjoy the fruits of my labors (I had cancer a few years ago and I acknowledge my time to enjoy life is finite).It occurred to me that I should just cash-out refinance my properties that are fully stabilized and that have significant equity, but that can also easily support the new debt incurred.