Setting up the right entity (LLC with possible S-Corp election) can help reduce self-employment tax exposure.Long-term rentals reintroduce passive activity rules, but combining them with STRs or qualifying as a real estate professional in the future can unlock additional tax strategies.Regardless of the path, detailed recordkeeping of travel, supplies, contractor payments, and property expenses will be critical to maximize deductions and defend them in an audit.Starting with STRs is a strong move because the tax code gives you more flexibility to use losses and deductions against your active contractor income while you build equity.

We were looking like crazy on this neighborhood because of the benefits at so low cost (NO HOA).

even worse are ones on private systems and then said private system fails .. those are bummers. but these also unless manage with a very heavy hand tend to be very low income kind of ratty type properties with all the issues that come with that demographic

Withholding with your employer only knows about the income that you earned with them.

It was a low risk deal given those factors, so I didn't mind levering up.

In my experience, credit unions will have low down payment options that the average person can take advantage of.

Is there any sort of subsidy built into the mortgage, or is it just a no-down, low interest rate loan product? 

We always recommend thinking of real estate like a stock portfolio.Most financial planners use the "3 buckets" analogy with their clients:High, medium and low risk investments, depending on a person's personal risk tolerance and age to retirement. 

Low income + high crime = Second job with minimal ROIEven if the numbers look good on paper your time will be lost. 

Even with tighter spreads, I’m seeing investors find momentum by focusing on flips that check these boxes:- Strong ARV supported by comps- Cosmetic rehabs (paint, floors, landscaping) that add quick value- Areas with high buyer demand but low updated inventoryFor those flipping in today’s market:- How are you keeping projects profitable as costs shift?