There are numerous reasons why this should be the only option, outside of the friends/family discount.

@Philip OlivierYour tax profile is a little bit more complicated and such I think you should hire a professional(I am a little biased).Since you make $100,000 from your full-time job - you should be eligible to deduct the losses(if you have them) from your rental property so long as you don't have significant income from other sources including the short term rentals. 

Stop issuing 1099-MISC with box 7 "non-employee compensation" instead of box 1 "rent"Stop including refundable deposits in rent incomeProvide annual reports clearly delineated by propertyLearn the difference between maintenance, repairs and improvements and report accordinglyReport insurance reimbursements separatelyProvide supporting documentation: itemized contractor's invoices, insurance adjusters' reports etc

Funds needed include earnest money deposit, inspection costs, and downpayment funds just to name a few.

Most of these scenarios ended with a workout that included pretty ugly terms.

I've received positive feedback from many on those RE posts, including receiving a couple emails and PMs about interest in investing with me.  

Refinancing a loan that was initially used for business purposes (purchase/rehab) seems to fit the bill, including private unsecured loans and credit cards.

@William W. put everything you own in an LLC or trust :) including your personal residence.

therefore the purchase price at the Tax sale already includes the required payment to Revenue. 

If you are really cash flowing $850 per month (including maintenance and CapEx) then you are making a 3.7% return on equity annually.