If you're willing to buy a $220K home on the other side of the country, why not spend $500 to fly there, get a rental car and hotel for 2 days, and investigate the area?

The thing is you may want to investigate the balance between supply and demand.

@Chris Szepessy and law enforcement was contacted and I went to the station my self to file charges but since it’s an open investigation I couldn’t do anything.

Hi, I am in the process of investigating long term rentals in Alabama, Georgia and Texas. 

I have been doing some reading and investigating the market where I will be doing my first investment, I am leaning towards Alberta.

We just relocated to Madeira Beach in Pinellas and I am also investigating STR options.  

You will be alright once you do some investigating.

https://www.live5news.com/2022/12/16/live-5-investigates-more-than-1000-illegal-short-term-rentals-operating-charleston/CHARLESTON, S.C.

No.These are called investigative expenses, and are capitalized under 195.

@Matthew G.Congrats on your financial success -- keep living below your means -- If you're making that kind of money in ICT, KS then you are able to live the good life.RE is not completely hands off - but there are more passive deals with your income level you'd have access to that lots of others dont -- such as syndications or private placements  -- that could be a route to investigate and would be more passive.