Quote from @Dan Ikon: An investor considers acquiring a short-term real estate to offset his investment income by depreciation loss.

Hey Gabe, given your income situation, you might consider a DSCR loan for an investment property—no income docs needed, just credit score and rental income covering the mortgage.

How real are the numbers provided by AIRDNA on operating income?

@Greg Seivert You're absolutely right to question that advice.Just because you qualify as a Real Estate Professional (REPS) under IRC §469(c)(7) does not mean your rental income shifts to Schedule C, and it does not trigger self-employment (SE) tax.Rental income, even when you're a REPis still reported on Schedule E, unless you're:Providing substantial services (e.g., cleaning, concierge, hotel-like operations), orRunning a business like flipping or wholesalingREPS simply allows rental losses to be treated as non-passive, so they can offset other income like W-2 or business profits.

Does that location have population growth, job growth, strong incomes, etc?

You mention you are not making a lot of money (and living with your family and living expenses are very low).Real estate is local. 

Renting of real estate propertiesIf this is what you do, then sorry, you cannot offset your W2 income with your losses.Syndication K1s are normally in the first group.

Quote from @Daniel Hernandez: Hi everyone,My name is Daniel and I’m brand new to real estate investing.

Income is shown as positive + "Passive income" another words in the positive so if you have a negative net rental it benefits you in terms of deductions and does not get included into Child Support.

Especially for first time investors - I thought for many (including myself) it could be helpful to start at the very beginning..Depreciation is a paper loss that can offset real income.