There is a blind optimism you see in this forum and other parts of the real estate world that I don't see in any of the actual investors I know.

Living in sub optimal conditions to be close to work is no longer necessary.  2.

Cape Coral tends to be much better optimized as an STR market over LTR, but if it was specifically LTR's that you're looking for, Lehigh Acres is another local market that offers cash flowing B class multifamily properties 

Does not make sense, I agree.Yes, extremely frustrating, but everyone's tax situation is different, and the only way to optimize your taxes is by working with a competent tax professional. 

I am trying to sign up for the tax advantage program where they review last 2 years of tax returns and optimize. 

I'd imagine those who invest in those are either not taking the time to look for optimal deals or using the income to pay for the mortgage without caring for cashflow.

I think that skill set is immensely valuable, even if it's not optimal.

In general, I reckon that if you get EMOTIONALLY attached to a SF primary you want to buy, you WILL spend more on it than is financially optimal, and it WILL hurt your Debt To Income ratio and therefore slow down your ability to buy more bargain multi-plexes at whim.Will your extra retirement income wish, vs your pretty-home desire, be easy to resolve? 

As Darryl suggested, find a real estate-savvy CPA who can help optimize your taxes (balance write-offs and deductions with the need to show income). 

Clicking it will give you a drop down menu, one choice is Reanalyze this report as...And clicking that button will give you a choice of three other calculators to run it through.