I have been studying up on books, listening to the BP podcasts and working on building relationships and letting people know that I am into REI. 

This holistic approach to portfolio management can yield massive advantages in terms of efficiency and financial leverage.Furthermore, the liability shield provided by this structure could prove extremely advantageous.

You can also check out The Real Estate Guys and The Best Ever Real Estate Show for additional perspectives and insights.Regarding your university studies, a business or real estate minor could definitely help, but it’s not essential.

(My assumption is it may be tough to prove enough material participation if using someone local to manage.)Two things worth noting:1- I'll be discussing with my CPA in-depth soon, but would like to hear other's experiences on this.2 - The main reasons I'm looking to STR's is the tax benefits (Cost-Seg) & appreciation that comes with buying in these areas opposed to the mid-west where I look for long-term rentals..

I am bypassing price labs for MTR completely and charging monthly / airbnb and fixed on Furnished Finder because I found that pricelabs does in fact prove difficult for pricing MTR. 2.

Beware, I will be in TN again soon, and I WILL prove you wrong if you feel like tempting fate. 

A recent study showed that 80 people are moving to this city every single week, which will continue to increase housing demand.

I am not sure if anyone ever cared to pull together the data but I am quite confident in saying a study that compared licensed to unlicensed contractors would tell the story of unlicensed contractors seeking greater deposits in relation to total project costs than those with all proper licenses.

A Google search also didn't prove particularily promising.I am taking over managing a group of student rental properties that my parents own and (very, very informally) operate in the Bay Area, California.

It makes your building worth less, it makes it harder to sell, and it makes it harder to rent.No, RUBS aren't illegal in your area, but the fact that they are illegal in many areas proves it is a bad idea.