Even if someone in these forums were to teach you a creative financing strategy that required zero out of pocket cash and the seller was willing to accept those deal terms, you still aren’t qualified to own real estate with your current balance sheet.

Areas near oil production hubs could experience economic booms, creating localized opportunities for real estate investments.Beyond these broader economic initiatives, Bessent has been vocal about extending or even expanding the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA).

The deal can make sense even if it doesn't meet some arbitrary "rule" 

She can cover the difference so you break even and you split the equity, etc. 

Those failures are  more negligent than a PM allowing a guest who paid with expectation to stay at the house to remain there in the middle of winter when they arrived on a Friday evening as you described.For now you will have to rely upon insurance, I don't believe the PM acted unreasonably given the circumstances.

Or even $75k at a 15% margin. 

This helps prove your direct participation.Proof or Documentation – Keep receipts, invoices, emails, or even before-and-after photos as evidence of your work.

Long-Term Rental Rules: Even though my properties are long-term rentals, are there any tax benefits I might be missing if I occasionally rent them short-term?

Here is a mistake / aha moment: cost segregation studies are worth it, even for a portfolio of  smaller properties!

Quote from @Kyler Tarr: I am on contract to purchase an investment property in Ohio and the inspection showed the house has knob and tube wiring even though it was built in 1959.