@Chris Wilburn,I think rents are staying high due to lack of inventory.

Better cash flowing choices may not be preferred living for a year or two and a higher quality building might be to expensive, and you are now covering part of your mortgage.

I live in central Oregon, a HIGH cost of living area...I live in a great apartment complex and rents are at least $500/mo lower than a typical mortgage here.I am thinking about buying an investment BEFORE my permanent residence to keep my monthly CF and savings high.What are the pros and cons?

Hi All, I've worked for a non-profit my entire professional career (ie, my W2 income is not very high). 

Overall I like the program but agree people have too high of expectations and think it's a magical tool that solves every problem.My favorite is when the annual inspection comes through with such detailed line items like "fix door".Literally doesn't tell you what needs to be fixed, what door, etc.

As far as a general STR strategy, a nice 3x2 house within an hour of a major attraction is not too much to manage and can drive a nice nightly rate if you go with high end design. 

The Lake Tahoe area is popular for STR and is highly competitive yet some people do make it work. 

I highly recommend Weiming Peng with Excel1031.

rents are higher here by far one of the most expensive markets to live. lease price per square foots can go as high as $8 per square foot. if you live far away it'll be cheaper or you'll be living in a older unit. depends on your budget really 

My husband started a business recently so income isn't steady and my income is on the lower end and we are struggling to cover our expenses since we have so many high interest loans.So my question is like this:1.