I'd say the Bigger Pockets forums are one of the best places to explore how to put your money to work in RE. 

I owe about $950k left.

You will only have one opportunity to get money out of an approved tenant.

And Yes, I get that you have to spend money to make money, but quality issues are making me start to question if I should continue to bleed money into this thing, which by the way I haven't got one actual deal from as of yet.What I like: 1.

I’ve got a distressed and on-market house that was recently completely renovated until the couple ran out of money (all of the heavy lifting has been done, just a few things left), and it is listed well below market price compared to surrounding comps I could find.

If you are uncomfortable investing your own cash, how will you convince others to invest their money?

If your potential numbers already look good, you most certainly won't regret the money spent on a designer!

Rather, it will be considered earned income... and if you have losses especially the first year with a bunch of start up costs and depreciation... and if your money is at risk (let's assume Yes), then this business venture can offset (or add) to your W-2 income.This is how short-term rental loophole works.

,...the one that makes  you more money. 

What I'm hung up on is how to make a deal work so that it produces a satisfactory rate of return for the money partner.