If you’re strategic about locations, management, and financing, STRs can still offer decent returns in the right market.I totally agree that it’s not all sunshine and rainbows in real estate right now, but if you’re strategic—especially with tax savings and a long-term focus—real estate can still be a viable option alongside other investments.I agree with everything you said but it’s also important to consider the Time component.

There are mutiple components.

From there, our mastermind component really helps plug any gaps, answer burning questions, etc.

In my market, almost all sellers are still offering buyer compensation so you could hire an agent hourly, pay them, and then the seller will also pay them comp on your behalf so it doesn't really make any sense to do and no good agents will do this in my opinion.

But most of these bridge loans have future funding components where the lender will fund renovation work as the work is completed and add that to the loan balance. 

When buyers see this they automatically feel the work was done professionally.I will either be present or have a PM present at the home inspection for my sales that have a builder warranty component.

And there is also a hope component involved.

Be an area expert on contracts, zoning, value add components, contractors, and so much more. 

Generalists tend to get erratic sales here and there.Residential working with home owners is more of an emotional component versus investors is more about the numbers.

There's nothing wrong with your strategy other than the partnership component, but don't twist the numbers in your hypotheticals in order to gain traction.