. ($300k has to be earned to net $250k.) so you’re looking 5 years of zero vacancy and zero capex to break even.

The IRS sees that as taxable income, even if you never physically touched the money.Now, the good news is you might be able to offset it as a business expense.

Bonus rule:  this applies to any investment or business that even HINTS at being a scam, below board, or ethically questionable - If you don’t know who the “sucker” is, it’s YOU. 

It is an animal, even if it is not a pet, and it is part of the rental.

My interest rate and purchase price wouldn’t allow for positive cash flow unless I charged an unreasonable rent—or put about $500K toward the principal, which isn't ideal.I’m a high earner, so I’m weighing my options:Take the loss ($60K-$100K), buy another house, and chalk this up to a hard lesson learned.Refinance, put more money into it, and rent it out long-term—even if it’s not immediately profitable.Invest my money elsewhere and try to make peace with staying here for several years or just move.Would love to hear thoughts from anyone with experience in real estate, financial strategy, or noise mitigation.

It sounds like a single family house where you will be living in the house(personal use).Therefore, you may not be getting the tax benefits you think you are.Consult an accountant.I am not sure why your sister would agree to this as well, she is losing $170,000 in this transaction and she faces the possibility of you increasing her rent.You also have to charge market rent or close to market rent or it is all deemed personal use.

I need a new policy for my single family rental, can any one recommend a insurance company?

Going to guess they have no online portal and probably no website.Are they even properly licensed to be a PMC?

Making over a $140,000 isn't much of a horror story even if it's a "scary house." 

Probably not even close.