Readers are advised to seek professional advice.

I’m a real estate agent based in Delaware, and I’m excited to join this community of investors, professionals, and entrepreneurs.

My wife is a stay-at-home mom but handles leasing, tenant issues, repairs—basically runs the rentals.We’re exploring if she can qualify for Real Estate Professional Status to offset my W2 income.

I will be qualifying for Real Estate Professional Status (REPS) in 2026 to use the marriage loophole to help create paper losses against my wife's W2 salary (she's a surgeon).

These are professionals with additional training and a stricter code of ethics.

Being intentional with design — putting money to the side to pay a professional designer, buy furniture and accessories — can be all the difference in a 5 star listing or a 2 star listing.

I can't unlock those losses since I'm not a Real Estate Professional because I'm a W2 employee.

Commissions were ultimately paid, but only after continued follow-up that should not be necessary in a professional brokerage relationship.Lack of clarity regarding dues:In June, the brokerage requested a payment of $400+ for “HAR/TAR/NAR dues.”

I would like to start building my team now, and connect with a real estate agent and other professionals that will have my best interests as priority.

Qualify as a Real Estate Professional (REP) under the tax code. • This requires significant hours and material participation in real estate activities.• For someone working a full-time W-2 job, this is very difficult to achieve legitimately. 2.