In the podcast, the accountant that was on said that "construction" is one of the "real property trade or businesses" that would qualify someone as a real estate professional in the IRS's eyes which is more of where im looking for answers

From agent optics, the least favorable part of it is seller's expectations being inconsistent with reality.What I see most commonly is an overestimated net revenue trying to trade at a 5 cap when it is really a 2 cap, or a random value associated to the STR permit and added in addition to the house priceThere are benefits -- like finite competition and peace of mind knowing the government won't shut you down out of no where Btw - enjoyed your episode on the Sjogren podcast !

Think of GOLDHigh quality assets also can be traded in most currencyHigh quality assets also protect you from from inflation.

In other words, this property does not cashflow.Have you considered trading the "hope for appreciation" for "cash every month in my pocket"? 

i was talking with him about my stock and forex trading, and i was telling him about a business model i had in mind.

I also inventoried the "tools of the trade" and what I needed in order to do the job. 

Hard to get anyone to come out for less than $100 for a service call and typically it's about $150-$250 depending upon the trade (plumber, electrical, etc..)

When you trade at that level, you need to understand how the sellers work.

I think you have to look at the strength of the market.. much of what has driven PHX was new construction and all those workers that lived in the apartments.. in 04 clients of mine ( I did not broker them linda gerchek did)  bought 4 plex in PHX for 350k each by 2010 they were 100% vacant and selling for under 100k.. now granted rising tide raises all ships.. but in the other areas you mentioned they are not as susceptible to wild swing in valuation when new construction slows way down or comes to a half. 

If you focus and specialize on one part of the process you can master that as opposed to being a jack of all trades.