Neither group is fully correct or fully incorrect in my opinion.It really depends on your goals, your lifestyle, and your timeline which end of the cashflow - to - appreciation spectrum you want to fall on. 

I adored the coastal charm, affordability, and the lifestyle flexibility really stood out to me.I’m planning a temporary relocation to South Africa (6-8 months), where I’ll continue working remotely while learning the ropes of passive income generation through property.

Investors should do a self assessment periodically to figure out which strategies best allign with their lifestyle and limits.

its a sad commentary to their lifestyles its just systemic and what they know ..

Here are a few strategies that have helped me save aggressively and stay focused — some aren’t super popular but can really make a difference over time: • Live off one income (if you’re a dual-income household): This helps build financial discipline and forces you to keep lifestyle inflation in check. • Pause retirement contributions temporarily: It’s okay to hit pause while aggressively tackling high-interest debt — just make sure to come back to it once you’re on more stable ground. • Lower utility and internet costs: Run laundry/dishwasher during off-peak hours and consider switching to cheaper cell plans or even dropping data plans if you mostly use Wi-Fi. • Cancel or share streaming services: Sounds small, but even saving $30–50/month adds up fast when you’re hustling to build a runway. 

You’re not making a mistake, just start by getting clear on your goals (cash flow, appreciation, lifestyle, etc.) and build from there.If STRs are on your radar, make sure to check local rules and the STR loophole.

House hacking would be a great start but with the great position you are in you may not need to take such an aggressive approach based on the lifestyle you want.  

However, he has absolutely no debt and his lifestyle doesn't spend a lot of money.

Right now, I’m really weighing the pros and cons of seller financing with a longer-term payout versus doing a 1031 exchange—particularly when it comes to tax implications and overall lifestyle alignment.

Operators systematize first impressions by:Design Strategy: Hire a short-term rental interior designer (not just a stager) who understands flow, photogenic layouts, and Instagrammable moments.Photography Package: Invest in professional HDR photography + lifestyle shots (guests using the firepit, coffee mugs on the deck, etc.).Exterior Systems: Seasonal landscaping contracts, pressure washing schedules, and lighting plans to ensure the home is always photo-ready.Listing Optimization: A/B test lead photos quarterly (e.g., pool shot vs. firepit shot) and measure CTR against competitors in your market.System: Quarterly Design & Photo Audit Checklist — every 90 days, review your top 5 competitor listings and update your lead photo, titles, and descriptions to stay visually competitive.2.