It seems that the next best thing is to acquire directly from sellers.

Top Rental Mexico seems to be popular but I’d like to shop around. 

But you can still treat it as resulting in Ordinary Income even though it is reported on Schedule E, which lets you properly report in accordance with the tax results it seems you are shooting for under the tax return loophole.If your CPA is looking at switching it between schedules to get that tax result...it sounds like they don't understand the reporting position fully and/or they just don't know how to use their own software to address it.In summary, based on what you are describing for the situation, it should go on Schedule E, with what sounds like the resulting refund of $17k.

Right now it seems to have stabilized so I got a full month rent (minus PM fee).

It seems to be quite "the norm" in the US, however in Europe banks tend to think a bit more traditionally (but I could be dead wrong).Would love to hear your experience!

On this site, it seems like there's a lot of crickets when the subject of residential development and larger scale residential building comes up....which is disappointing as there's a lot of wise people here... maybe the niche is smaller than I thought or we're looking in the wrong place for answers....

Im a very vanilla investor, and not well versed in different finance options but it seems like an acceptable, but not ideal, option for getting your foot in the door with low initial funds/experience and very little effort.

I've narrowed in on some areas I personally enjoy and at first glance seem like they would be good STR markets in the PNW where I live.

I’ve been reading a lot about business books, negotiation books and I seemed to had an analysis paralysis because I felt very stuck even though I am learning and preparing.

From what you have given us it doesn't seem like that good of deal you would need it to rent for $3500 to $3700 to make it really cash flow.