Definitely shifting to vrbo and student rentals to diversify.

Thanks to everyone for the perspective!

It's perspective.

(I am able to itemize every other year by shifting charitable donations from Dec 31 to Jan 1)-Would it be better to refinance my primary home to a 20 year loan (I only have 20 years left anyway) and the rental back to a 30 year loan...and keep them separate? 

@Alex G.I loved that post.My notes from Shift!

Honestly, even from my perspective, I'm amazed the HOA allows laminate flooring to begin with.I've looked into ways of soundproofing, or significantly mitigating noise transmission from my condo, and from what I've heard, even the most dense, best impact absorbing underlayment for laminate flooring won't do much in a poorly built building.

Hey Steve, nice to meet you and thanks for the perspective!

Will County is pretty easy going and still allows romex electrical, Dupage County is pretty good to work with but has a few odd requirements that others don't (like requiring you to upgrade your electrical service to a 200A regardless of the size of the home), and Cook County can be a PITA, but mainly just due to the ridiculous amount of paperwork, and the fact that any contractor needs to go to their office downtown in person for their registration, and they love to send you home without accomplishing what you came in for...Best of luck with the property, hopefully more BP members have some better insight from the Renters perspective...

It is a real shift that is occurring. 

From the financial return perspective, we care mainly about the following topics but not limited to ... 1) Is the sponsor ethical and deliver what they said 2) Does the reward compensate for the risk we have to take?