It sucks that people in your circle don't understand or can appreciate what a life-changing decision you made by buying an income producing property! 

There is positive job growth from the tech industry, manufacturing jobs from Tesla, geographically restricted building, no income tax, low property taxes, close to CA, mild weather, and landlord friendly. 

Again, I am new to real-estate, so I am understanding that the passive income from investment properties starts off as somewhat minimal and is not going to make me rich overnight.

Is it real that you can save on W2 income taxes if you have a short term rental.

This is what I suggest for the average person with a full time job and limited time.Of course you have to do all of the other personal finance stuff too like living below your means, reducing your means/expenses, and increasing your income with a HIS (high income skill).If you are going to flip just make sure you have 6-12 months reserves to live on and to carry the monthly private or hard money payment while you're in the midst of your project so you're not left out high and dry.Best,@Matthew Kwan@Carlos Valencia

Hi,I am a physician employed at a university hospital with W2 income.

Even for most of our 2 income families that’s a hard sell.

Before taking the plunge, honestly assess your finances (income, debts, savings, and risk tolerance) and research your chosen market thoroughly (rents, vacancies, property values, landlord regulations).

You'd have to run the numbers, but generally adding a 2nd story doesn't produce the kind of rent needed to justify construction cost + loss of income for the 12 months when its shut down.

Section 8 is a program for low income tenants to get government subsidy of some or all of their rent (at market rates).