The key now is being ultra-strategic: focusing on standout properties, optimizing for experience, and getting creative with financing and management.If you’re seriously looking at the area, feel free to connect I’ve been exploring funding strategies and income plays that can help newer investors navigate tighter margins.

All in all, it unfortunately comes down to having clarity with your goals and finding a way to optimize your time in line with finding a deal and being willing to jump in.It is a lot and it makes sense why so many can struggle to get going.Good luck!

Don’t Obsess Over Optimizing Every DollarTrying to squeeze out every last bit of return can lead to stress and bad decisions.

This approach requires meticulous adherence to IRS guidelines to maintain compliance.Collaborating with experts is critical: Tax professionals specializing in real estate can tailor strategies to your goals; and Asset protection attorneys ensure entities are structured to shield personal assets and align with tax laws.Proactively building this advisory team helps prevent errors, optimizes tax efficiency, and supports sustainable growth.Disclaimer: This message is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, financial, or investment advice.

Rinse and repeat.I was advised this may not be the optimal choice renting out new builds that aren't paid in full. 

And tax optimized.

This approach mitigates risk while leveraging your resources effectively.Looks like your household could qualify as REPS and really offset your taxes if your portfolio is optimized.

A management firm also provides advice on upgrades, helping you optimize rent & reduce maintenance costs.Personal benefits for ownersLess Stress: Avoid emergencies, late rent, evictions, property damage, scams, unreliable vendors, & paperwork.More Freedom: Live & invest anywhere, without needing to be close to your properties.

In that case, I would probably sell it unless you are passionate about running a rental business and want to do that.Also, I know this is what every CPA says and it is a bit cliche at this point but don’t let the tax tail wag the dog… it’s never advisable to make a business decision primarily off the tax implications, it’s better to determine what makes the most strategic sense and then optimize the tax treatment for that.in your case, it sounds like if taxes were not an issue, you would be better off by selling and having a paid off home in CA and more peace in mind to retire.

You are setting up an adversarial relationship with the seller with the takeout style menu options that are all the same in the end.