Originally posted by @Sidney Wilson:I understand that it is sometimes easier to have a broker do the work to find a lender, but the 1% + I always paid to brokers was a fairly significant cost.

Yeah you’re fairly safe as a landlord.  

Quote from @Matt Stull: Hello, I am fairly new to this idea and have wanted to invest in a STR.

I'm looking at investing in a short term rental in Jacksonville, my budget is fairly modest though, up to $300k so I'm not looking to do a high-end STR.

It won't be perfect of course, but it will be a step up from the laissez faire system (or lack thereof) that we've been using in the past. 

I also know Arizona is fairly investor 'friendly' and has fairly low property taxes.Interested in purchasing small multifamily properties (2-8 units) depending on the property and numbers of course.

So just don't open yourself up to fair housing violations if you do deny them.

I'm about ready to retire so I'm not looking to compete in a bidding war, mainly looking for a fair deal that I can rehab or a turnkey with some cash flow. 

This saved my skin on the exit!

Taxes are calculated on the gain (e.g. sale price - purchase price + expenses, broken down fairly clearly by @Jake Baker) not just on the sale price.The tax treatment on sale of a Primary Residence vs.