Pros:Strong cash flowMajor affordable housing shortage in the countryBarrier to entry - zoning prohibits new parksPride of ownership - the residents own the homeLower operating costs - the residents own the homeLower touch - the residents own the homeSticky residents - costly to move a homeEasy to raise rents - costly to move a homeRecession resistant asset class - affordable rentLarge private equity funds are entering the space - drive prices upMom & pop ownership - opportunities to improve NOI and valueLower entry cost per door - less capital neededCons:Not sexy - smaller resale pool (but that's changing)Stigma - some counties try to stop operations (poorly operated parks, criminal activity)Stigma - some people don't want to live in oneLower credit quality residentLess appreciation potential, unless forcedNiche investment - helps to have scale to properly operateMany banks don't understand it - tougher to financeOlder assets in many cases

Do you reside in Tampa?

However, I noticed that in good neighborhoods residents commute for work.

I LOVE the idea of househacking -- unfortunately I found BP & the househacking concept after I bought my own primary residence last year.

My name is Vivian and I'm from Los Angeles, CA.I got interested in real estate after I bought my own primary residence last year, and started managing my parent's SFR around the same time.

However, you will be required to file a non-resident state tax return in the states that you own the properties.Proximity of your accountant isin't as important as getting the right accountant who understands real estate taxation.

I'm in a residency type year w/ my career which means I'm only earning about 60% of what I should be making but that will be over by this time next year.

Residents bring rent to the onsite manager.

That might motivate them to fulfill a binding contract to sell to you.I can't imagine signing a purchase contract (esp if it was for a primary residence) in which the seller could simply cancel for a better offer. 

This was my primary residence and I sold the home to a friend at a very low interest rate, but a higher sales price than I would have been able to get with the house all torn up. $220,000 SP, $195,000 initial purchase price, $5,000 down.