.- Hope the 8-unit is on its own tax return, so your personal income doesn't have to be disclosed.

The QBI deduction — short for Qualified Business Income deduction — is a tax break that allows eligible business owners to deduct up to 20% of their qualified business income on their tax return.

Can you get your income up?

Goal is to make real estate main source of income and sights are on best cash returns while building a portfolio.  

All your current and future active income goes into the passive side of the business.

I could get about $2500/month income for the two rehabbed units. 

I'm looking for advice on ways to be able to earn an income while also gaining experience in the real estate industry.

If the property qualifies as a separate activity, you may be eligible to claim bonus depreciation through a cost segregation study, which can provide substantial upfront deductions — particularly beneficial if you are in a higher tax bracket.However, if your income level is lower, the cost of the study may outweigh the benefit.

Use an S Corp for flips or management income to cut self-employment tax.

And was the potential combined rental income of both units considered in the income approach on the appraisal or just the main unit?