Option 2 is the most accurate but extremely time-consuming.

I was wondering where everyone would tell me to start. I'm mainly looking for a mentor to work under while having a regular 9-5. (Remodeling) I'd be open to many positions. I'd appreciate any advice! 

Waiting Until Tax Season to Organize EverythingTrying to reconstruct a year of financial activity all at once is extremely difficult.

The distinction matters more than people realize.

Don’t Confuse Cash Flow With Building WealthMany investors, and most “wanna be” investors confuse cash flow and wealth buildingWhile there may be some “overlap”, they are two different and distinct concepts.Cash flow will increase your income, allow you to live in a nicer, bigger, better located house, drive a luxury car, and possibly increase your savings/investments.

(In this way it's distinct from services that offer to "spot" the tenant some of their rent payment for the month.) 

We also, around 8 or 10 years ago, implemented a separate, but distinct, Assistance Animal Policy.

Here's my suggestion for a place to start your new mindset--make the distinction between buying your 'home' and being an investor.  

In dense urban markets, macro forces and long-term demand often matter more than day-to-day operations.Curious how others think about that distinction — do you see these as two completely different investment models, or just variations of the same asset class?

That distinction directly impacts approval, leverage, and flexibility.