We were able to get above $50 more per month on the rent to start with so that was a added bonus to the cash flow.

As mentioned before returns at the end of 20% over 5 years, doubling your money in that period seems pretty good (COC 20% over 5 years said in other way)... the big advantage I find is in scalability, segregation, bonus depreciation and being passive... however if you are active I tend to believe SFH are for better COC return; just as an example: SFH off market at 140k + 20K repairs; appraisal at 200K; immediate refinance of 140k; so I have left 20K in the deal and now gained in equity 40k.

If you buy at the right time, you'll get a bonus.

To me that is much more likely to be successful than trying to convince someone 1800 miles away that when he does a good renovation job I will pay him a bonus - in about 5-7 months.

you are welcome ...Most LOA positions will pay a salary + bonus  so this allows you an income to " survive " as  you are learning the position and the industry 

Does this include bonus depreciation?

Not only are they built specifically for pulling STR data (and not just an add on bonus), but the algorithm is constantly changing which helps to make the data more accurate. 

That's the way these loans work unless you have enough experience to get advanced draws.8) You can sell it so that is a bonus - but you'll want to cover steps 1 - 7, and you may also need a LLC set-up for the deal.

Bonus: if the neighborhood/city is safe for a family with kids. 

I want to offset my W2 income this year with all the, hopefully, active losses from setting up, furnishing, and bonus depreciation in the first year.