However, it takes a long time to pay off this property and forces me to accumulate much more interest over time.

Any tips for negotiating better terms with sellers?

Investors, interest rates for short-term loans are on the move!

It would probably be worth a phone call to the Garland Planning and Zoning department to ascertain which areas are permitted to have short term rentals. 

Also, any suggestions on Long Distance Property management?

If you are in too low lying of an area, it may not be the wisest long-term play (unless we start building dwellings under water!)

That kind of appreciation is wonderful for long term hold investors but it's having a negative effect on investors entering the market. 

Additionally, it can help maximize renovations and improvements.A Cost Segregation study is an IRS approved federal income tax tool that increases near term cash flow by utilizing shorter recovery periods for depreciation to accelerate return on investment.

Also, below are some ideas I've had.It seems to make sense to start with a list of people in my ideal area that have owned land for a long time and are not actively using it.   

You can work on ignorance only so long before it breaks you into little pieces.7.