Another caveat: there are a lot of STRs out there that are breaking HOA/local government/state/federal laws or strongly bending the rules, and I'm looking for people who did not do that or who mitigated risk there. 

As well those government guaranteed section 8 rents have been consistently increasing every year. 5 Bedrooms are now renting for $2000 plus tenants pay ALL utilities. 3 Bedroom Duplexes are up to $1650 x 2 a month = $3,300 + they pay gas and electric.

I'm wondering because of the housing shortage if the federal government is offering some low interest loans for this type of development.

Just wanted to pass on that Navy Federal has a Homebuyers Choice option, 0% downpayment, really 0%, no PMI, but higher interest rate and 1.75% funding fee (and sellers can contribute up to 6%!)

The governments are quick to reassess when values go up, not so much when they go down. 

However, you can only get a federal tax deduction for the state and local taxes you pay on real estate that you own, such as your main home, a vacation home or bare land.

(Remember the claims a certain former federal prosecutor and mayor of a major city would make outside of the courtroom…. only to not be able to make any such claims once in front of the judge?)

Legal Knowledge: Understanding local, state, and federal laws is essential.

I just graduated and am currently working as an intern at a government agency (for up to one year).

The mortgage is secured—or collateralized—by the house, the buyer’s name goes on the title and the mortgage is recorded with the local government.2.