I would invite you to shop your scenario, desires, and intent, with several Mortgage Brokers.  

BP is a good place to get specific questions answered and numerous differing opinions on a given situation so that you can decide what is best for you.

Just as a standard tenancy building will have different attributes relating to its ideal tenant and the type of tenant that will find the building ideal, each Airbnb listing has characteristics which much be taken into account (many have already been listed in numerous posts above some by yourself even :) ).I believe as the industry develops we will find more tools and templates come to surface to make it easier to determine individual profitability profiles and considerations for properties.  

The Midwest has numerous markets where the cash flows - if you buy right.

Remember that has to replace an entire roof, bring a new furnace to the property, swap out 3 water heaters and fix numerous age related items over the next 30 years.  

hey Joe thank you I'll be sure to make it out, I should have this invitation in my email already.

When you're getting close to getting your license let me know, I'd love to invite you to a career night at my office.  

I'm pretty sure they feel like they own this home considering the work they put into it, but we need that equity elsewhere.Putting it on the market without someone currently living on the property is an invitation for locals to vandalize the place. 

I'd also like to invite you to a local networking group: http://www.meetup.com/Bellingham-Real-Estate-Inves...welcome to the site! 

I can buy property worth $50,000 and choose from numerous offerings readily available.