I will be managing remotely and I'd like to install cameras to monitor the ground level entrances and the driveway. 

At a really high level, this is how the GPs and LPs work together to perform a real estate syndication!

I cannot wait until I have some level of experience to be able to positively contribute also.In the interim, we are looking at an off-market deal with a friend of the family.

We want to even the floor up to the same level as main house and are unsure if we should request a permit for it. 

We realize that it's a sellers' marker in the DMV, but we're willing to adapt to the ever-changing market.Would love to talk to a realtor and property manager that specializes in College Park, Silver Spring, Upper Marlboro area!

This actually helps out, since the dirt is drier and we can dig further down, prior to hitting the creek level.  

So I bought a SFH fixer upper with that cash and tried my first BRRRR.

The income will presumably be offset by the losses (depending on level of losses and income)

Everything that goes right or wrong is all on you.The advantage of buying an existing business is that if you do it right, you get to stand on the shoulders of giants to take it to the next level.  

I do only rental rehabs taking a 1975+ split level 3/2 and just causemetic;  paint, fixtures, flooring, new HVAC, rarely a roof, never windows,  paint the kitchen cabinets with new hardware, clean up baths, just clean up landscaping, fix things beyond replacing all ceiling and plumbing fixtures (except shower valves) and this has grown to $25k is now tight