Many property managers tend to focus on physical occupancy rates, but what truly matters is the economic occupancy rates—the actual rent collected.

I would tend to agree with the other CPAs typically.The 500-hour test is one of seven material participation tests used by the IRS to determine if a taxpayer is actively involved in a trade, business, or rental activity. 

This opportunity doesn’t occur frequently but it takes these attributes to take advantage when they do.3 - Blind luck - do enough deals, the unique opportunity tends to present itself.  

With regard to the proximity to the beach, I tend to have a beach distance of 15 min or 5 mile rule, whichever is less. 

The credit unions tend to have lower fees and offer solid business products.

While the idea of owning internationally is attractive, in reality it tends to be much harder to buy property in other countries (especially European countries).

The area tends to be more owner occupant friendly rather than renting.

This tends to be more time intensive and more for someone that has a lot of time and limited income as you may find a "home run" type deal with some effort/energy.

Real estate's "gross rent multiplier" is Wall Street's "sales to revenue",  "cap rate" is roughly "P/E ratio".When evaluating markets and investments I tend to start with GRM (or lazily the 1% rule), then attempt to return a cap rate based on assumptions about costs, then I work my way to multiple years of projections (assumptions about inflation, amortization, tax benefits, etc), and if I am partnering with one of my smart friends I have to pull up an IRR (internal rate of return).I also look at regional employment levels, median income to rent ratio in the zip code etc. 

It tends to hide marks better.Walls: Neutral tones like SW Repose Gray, Behr Swiss Coffee, or Moore Classic Gray are renter-friendly and modern.Trim and Doors: Use a crisp white like SW Extra White or Moore Chantilly Lace.Accent Walls: For a touch of style, consider an accent wall in soft blue-gray.