I see your point but don’t agree that I’m at high risk of being accused of a fair housing violation.

Or is the reason Landlords aren't seeking RAFT users more along the mindset of if they need a program to help come up with $ then they are of higher risk not to pay which of course cannot be your sole reason to deny someone housing.Thanks

@Kyle Steiner Potentially you can alternate buying one property on you and your wife's name.  

Let's break down the pros and cons of each approach:Forming an LLC in the State Where the Property is Located:Pros:Compliance with Local Laws: Establishing an LLC in the state where the property is situated ensures compliance with local regulations and laws specific to that jurisdiction.Legal Clarity: It provides clear legal jurisdiction and may simplify any legal proceedings related to the property in that state.Perception: Operating with a local LLC may give tenants and local authorities confidence in your commitment to the community.Cons:Additional Costs: Setting up and maintaining an LLC in another state means incurring additional registration fees, taxes, and possibly hiring local legal counsel.Administrative Burden: Managing multiple LLCs across different states adds complexity to your administrative workload, including extra paperwork and compliance requirements.Tax Implications: You may face tax obligations in both the state where the property is located and your home state, potentially leading to double taxation or complexities in tax filings.Managing Through Home State LLC:Pros:Simplified Management: Handling all properties under a single LLC streamlines administrative tasks, reducing paperwork and simplifying tax filings.Cost Savings: Avoiding the need to establish multiple LLCs in different states saves on registration fees, legal expenses, and ongoing maintenance costs.Consistency: Uniformity in management practices and legal structures may contribute to efficiency and ease of operation across your real estate portfolio.Cons:Legal Exposure: Operating out-of-state properties under a home state LLC may expose your personal assets to the laws and liabilities of the other state, potentially diminishing the liability protection the LLC offers.Compliance Challenges: You'll need to ensure your home state LLC meets the legal requirements for conducting business in other states, which could involve additional filings and fees.Perception and Credibility: Some tenants or local stakeholders may prefer dealing with a landlord who has a local presence, which could impact your reputation or relationships in the community.Ultimately, the decision depends on your specific circumstances, risk tolerance, and long-term goals.

Or could you demonstrate that it was always a short-term rental from the beginning simply based on your listings + the several guest stays in the following year(s) during auditWithout specific guidance, I would take a risk-based approach, and call it an STR if the intent and preponderance of the subsequent actions suggests it from the service date.Is there a tax court case that establishes this?

To be upfront, rent-by-the-room properties operating in Cobb County are at risk due to the occupancy limit ordinance.

House hacking in Portland as your first investment could significantly mitigate your risks while familiarizing you with managing a property and tenants.

I also make sure I make my desire to buy properties known to those working in the city offices, utility companies, code enforcement officers, police officers, and others who are in positions to hear about potential properties.

I also host a local real estate meetup in Worcester, it's a fantastic opportunity to meet other investors, lenders, contractors and potentially find deals.

Working with a qualified cost segregation specialist or tax professional can ensure that you maximize the benefits and comply with IRS guidelines.ROI Analysis: Evaluate the potential cost of the cost segregation study against the expected tax savings over time.