CPAs often advise against pursuing this designation unless the time commitment and documentation are robust, as failing to qualify can result in IRS audits or penalties.The 500-hour rule pertains to material participation in specific real estate activities or businesses.

I am just starting out with a STR and found that VRBO is not very specific if they are collecting the tax and paying it to the State as a marketplace facilitator or am I responsible for this tax collection and payment ?

The platform's main focus is processing mortgage documents in their raw form to extract specific financing terms for all properties in the city.

I'd estimate your cash flow after you pay the loan payment would be $600-$800, which a lender that understands investment real estate should give you some credit for on your DTI.As for a bank, I have a specific lender at NBI that I would recommend.

Alternatively, once you have a full time job (or an employment contract), you should be able to qualify for a loan and utilize a Down Payment Assistance program.

If there's any specific concerns I could address I would be happy to. 

3) Any specific states you recommend to set up any of these (Not sure where I'll be purchasing property yet, maybe Detroit, maybe Cleavland, maybe Augusta, maybe Des Moines, maybe Saint Cloud, maybe Memphis...)4) I already have a LLC based in Hong Kong (We call them limited companies, but the principle is the same).

There are a lot of site-specific issues you need to investigate before deciding what the land is worth to you.

Have proof on hand (easy enough to find) online of the missed tax payments and any documentation that supports that he specifically didn't pay his taxes.Probably a simply mistake on his part, but now if he wants to develop on it, he either has to land lease it from you or buy it back.I'm not sure how the whole tax deed thing works, so that would be something you have to figure out between the two of you.

Specifically, short-term rentals can help you get REPS status.