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.

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

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).

Or even $75k at a 15% margin. 

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

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

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.

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?

They won't touch it with a 10' pole unless they know you very very well and trust you even more. 

even louder.