Another association I belong to, Ive assisted with property tax appeals, connecting association with a capable law firm.

With that said, the desert cities are changing their vacation rental rules often, so plan on spending some time talking with local experts and understanding not only what rules each City has now, but what changes are likely in the future. 

It wont be your best investment ever, but it at least it will get you started.2) If you really want to spend the time making sure you get a home run, you need to find a distressed property that you can put the equity into.

I have always loved real estate and would spend lots of bonding time with my dad, driving around wherever we happened to be, looking at houses, playing "guess the price" on the for sale ones, and dreaming about owning this or that, or having a rental here or there.

Good luck and let me know if I can be of assistance.

You have such an advantage in your work field for real estate happy to network and assist.

Working full time too, I don't really have a lot of time to spend renovating a SFR/condo/apartment (although I like working with my hands so I think I would learn a lot and enjoy doing it).

Interest rate is immaterial if you use this money and don't spend it. 

How much did you spend on the rehab?

Thank you in advance for your assistance