I like the tangibility of real estate as an alternate to my standard equity portfolio

One large new build had a pump truck there for a week during & after a week of storms so I can imagine the basement damage from that.

Not knowing exactly what sort of amenities and vibe you want, here are a few family friendly options that come to mind:There are many new planned communities that have popped up in places near Raleigh like Apex, Fuquay-Varina and Holly Springs which offer good value but lots can be quite small, you may have to endure construction noise, trucks, etc. and residents are from all over so that community feel may not have yet materialized.

Since I have to choose one type of platform/system and find alternate solutions for the features from the other side, I choose a STR platform because the LTR features are easier for me to recreate or do manually.Specifically we are using Hostfully as our PMP and a few other apps to supplement.

An alternative to a commercial loan, you can look as a portfolio loan.

The alternative is to take that money and invest it in areas like Riverside, Inland Empire, Modesto etc, but that would require another loan and the money is getting more expensive as we know it. 

What I will tell them is that i know the kinds of flappers that are needed and keep them stocked in my truck which is a fully stocked mobile store that comes with a highly skilled technician. it might take me 15 minutes each way to get to your job and I know what my hourly expenses costs me to stay in business.

@Matthew Paul what is gone the tree, the back window of the truck, your driver's license, the beer or all of the above? 

I also diversify (or like to diversify) into alternative investments outside of real estate that aren't directly correlated to the business cycle (litigation finance, life settlements, royalties etc.) 

She keeps telling me she wants to diversify, but not providing an alternative asset class.