We are analyzing a purchase near Vista and our partner on this effort looked up the following:1. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/14292365: Small studio rental in same area; historic converted carriage / barn = $100/night with 14 nights booked so far in May = $1400 for month2. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/9351161: 2bd/1ba guesthouse same area; non-historic and bland = ~$95/night with 24 nights booked so far in May = $2280 for month3. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/17674810: 1bd/1ba same area; non-historic but well designed = ~$90/night with 19 nights booked so far in June = $1710 for monthYou probably would want to do more similar analysis on Vista before proceeding with the STR route. 

But the flip side is that you'll have a ton of cash tied up for a long period of time and the return on investment when factoring the time-value of money will be pretty sub-par.We are looking at this strategy now and see the potential for 20% returns if we are in and out quickly. 

Retirement plans are designed for passive income like interest, dividends, royalties and rentals, but not for operating a business. 

The house itself isn't all that great, it's 3 thousand square feet, but nowhere near as luxurious as the rest of the homes in this neighborhood in terms of design; and I'm getting this for $1,250,000. 

I'm looking for something easy to use/read on mobile, well designed & investor friendly. 

I know that big factor is location, but also, is it recommended to have the opinion of a real state agent to see if the deal is worth it?

Forced appreciation is a big factor as landlords improve their properties and raise rents or just flip.We all play a similar game in lower cost markets but the barriers to entry are lower, the appreciation is lower, and the cash flow is higher, allowing smaller investors the opportunity to get in the game.If I was very wealthy I probably still wouldn’t invest in higher cost markets because I lack the knowledge to be successful.

This is circumstantial however, if you’re in a community property state, because you’re married she will have to qualify with your debts factored in as well (again this only applies in community property states).So all your liabilities, net profit on your current FHA property,etc.

It's specifically designed for tracking business mileage.

Maybe I can design something with an architect like you said to get what I want.