Not talking about investing in a syndication but where you own the property 100% yourself.Often I see investors compare active versus passive properties as similar and want to just accept a few percent less yield with passive and with supply and demand it doesn't work that way.

I would simply be weary and really understand what rules and regulations exist before you make a purchase.

Or it could also be bad breakers (check if it's only happening on certain circuits), defective electrical service supply/voltage fluctuations (unlikely unless the whole neighborhood is having the same problems), service entry wiring defects, a loosely connected neutral or other issue with the neutral, loose connections anywhere in the circuit with the flickering lights, or a number of other things we wouldn't know without being able to inspect the system. 

If not, maybe show up at Lowe's/Home Depot at 6 am to see who/what contractors are there purchasing supplies?

Do it all; in this market and most places cash flowing deals are in short supply.

However, there are no metrics I see right now, along with the actions and proposed actions of the federal government that would indicate to me that housing supply will drastically improve, or interest rates will drastically rise soon, that would lead me to conclude property prices or rent costs won't drop in the near future.

Also are there STR regulations already set in place?

I would prefer to avoid this.Does anyone know if a portfolio lender would be willing to cash out refi my conventional Freddie/Fannie loan while maintaining the property in my LLC, and if Freddie/Fannie regulations would prevent me from doing so? 

LED light bulbs would still cost $20 if the government hadn't regulated efficiency to drive mass production.

I would assume even if it isn't in an LLC, the times it is rented out, I could write off things like cleaning and supplies?