These guys are having fun because there are a lot of scammers and gurus out there selling LLC creation services and Wyoming Trusts and Cook Islands Trusts and if you believe all that b.s. you will end up needing to cash out refinance soon in order to access that equity in order to pay for all their services plus an accountant to keep track of the mess.

I would introduce yourself to the parents (really all of the neighbors, it is a good thing).The parents will help keep the kid on the straight and narrow plus it helps show that you are a responsible STR owner working within the community.

You're never going to be 3% financing and if it cash flows, I would lean toward keeping it.

Offer a great first-stay experience with thoughtful touches like welcome gifts and clear communication to earn those initial positive reviews.For Big Bear’s rules, stay on top of local ordinances—maybe even connect with other hosts for advice.

You could structure the deal with seller financing to bridge the gap.Possible offer structure:-Purchase Price: $170K - closer to actual value-Down Payment: Low or zero down to conserve cash-Interest Rate: 3%-5% - or better yet, 0% if the seller will agree-Monthly Payments: Interest-only or deferred until the sale-Balloon Payment: Full payoff in two years when you sellIf he wants $200K, you can still make an offer of:-$170K purchase price + $30K as a second lien due at closing-Seller carries $170K at a low interest rateHe would feel closer to his number, but you still keep within reasonable investment limits.2.

If you decide to keep your house, you can do an IRRRL after you have made at least 7 payments on your new mortgage.

Keep calling. 

AL has the second lowest property tax rate in the US allowing you to keep your operating expenses at a minimum. 

Keep your day your day job until then. 

Keep networking, learning, and most importantly, taking action when the right opportunities come up.