But don't despair because although this is the case when you look at it myopically, in reality most investors go into multiple deals accumulating 100s of thousands of passive activity losses in their first few years investing.

AirDNA I don't think does it intentionally, but they have a computer determine market averages, when there's thousands of listings that weigh it down either through inexperience or bad management.

In cases like this, you will pay over and above the face value of the initial certificate, sometimes by tens of thousands of dollars, so that you obtain the right to purchase subsequent quarterly tax payments (known as "subs") at a fixed rate of 18% (in NJ). 

I just haven't met anyone.Making 15 or 20 thousand for a whole year or two is not making any money in my book.  

I know ill probably speak to HML about the specifics but:would i just ask for a few more thousand more give or take a bit to cover holding costs? 

With an additional $300K in income on top of your salary, you will be bumped up into the top tax bracket for 2015 & unnecessarily pay tens of thousands in extra taxes (I'm assuming, unless you are already in the top tax bracket).

I know the upcoming 3 day course I will be taking will be laced with the strong encouragement to spend thousands of dollars on mentoring and coaching from them.  

I've heard on podcasts people spending thousands on Capital Expenses but nothing on the level of a new elevator.

IMO the tub inside the shower enclosure is very strange to me, but if it sold at lots of hundreds of thousands of dollars, then who am I to say what looks strange or not.

You must understand the game of marketing if not then you'll be wasting your time and money..believe me I've seen it thousands of time.