So, the 500+ hours you worked could potentially count for this year.Once you hire a property management company, it can be harder to meet material participation requirements, but if you're still heavily involved in maintaining and updating the property, it could help.

The Midwest is going to strategically matter more in the future and population will be growing due to fresh water and cooler climate, also fewer storms (lower insurance premiums).

There may be 430 complaints, but you won't see the million payments that went through without issue.You can't specify your current nor future servicer at all.

Unless the market has a secret weapon in the pipeline, good signs of future appreciation, infrastructure improvement, city projects, etc. - No I'm not buying these properties. 

Documenting these inspections thoroughly is crucial, as it provides a clear record of any issues that arise.If the inspection reveals significant damage, you may need to discuss potential remediation costs with the tenants, reminding them that the lease holds them financially accountable for damages.

Quote from @Andy Chen: Hi all, I’d like your advice on how to structure a potential deal.A friend of mine owns a property outright that still has plenty of space for additional development.

Many small investors are finding it harder to qualify for traditional loans.
Private money seems to be filling that gap, offering faster and more flexible funding.
Do you think this trend will continue — or will ban...

I’ve got some big goals for my future, and real estate seems like the best path toward financial freedom.My family and I, a household of six, have been living in an income-based rental home for almost 10 years.

The trade-off is that appreciation is more linear; it's not the same rocket ship upside Woodlawn has, but the cash flow stability tends to be better.How I’d personally evaluate it:If I want cash flow + stability, I’d lean Pilsen.If I want long-term appreciation + can stomach tax volatility, Woodlawn.Run both pro formas with the future tax number, not what's listed.

Recommend focusing on just one method of investing, until you do a few transactions.As your network and deal flow increase, you will naturally get exposed to more potential deals and each one will be a learning experience.