There are houses that can be lived in and fixed up, or turned into multi-unit spaces (such as terraced houses with converted 'stables' at the back) for living in and earning income at the same time.

I am currently searching for a job in property management because I feel it will give me solid experience and knowledge to tackle my own properties one day (and I am in need of a career change).

Some background:I got into REI to earn enough income from rentals to replace my W2.

I say this because every investment is an opportunity cost, and if you're going to take money out of stocks (whether in a brokerage account or 401k) that could be earning 8-10%, you should have confidence that your acquisitions are going to perform better to account for the additional risk. 

You could charge them market rent, but it may not match your Airbnb earnings.

And, since 2012, after FHFA was back on its feet, the Treasury has been paid an ongoing dividend on the earnings of FHFA. ie the government / taxpayers are making money on Fannie and Freddie, for bailing them out (more on this later).

. $55k tax free is like $75k pre-tax W2 earnings...we essentially doubled my income that year.

The more experience earned, you gain insight into comparables, learn neighborhoods, get better and better in determining a real deal from a stinker.Sounds like you earned a little break now!

"variable income" will require a 2 year average of income/ earnings to qualify. 

.✅ Equity Earn-In: Offer the seller a minority stake (e.g., 10-20% ownership) instead of cash up front.2.