I seek zoning variances frequently in Philadelphia, but its a lengthy process and don't personally find it a worthwhile pursuit for legalizing a second unit in a building.

Material Participation Activities:Property Maintenance: Engage in repairs or construction work on the property to maintain or enhance its condition.Contractor Management: Oversee the hiring and coordination of contractors or handymen for property-related tasks.Tenant Interaction: Communicate with tenants regarding lease agreements, inquiries, or property issues.Property Acquisition: Invest time in property search and evaluation processes, including visits to potential investment properties.Property Management Tasks: Perform activities typically handled by property management companies, such as rent collection or property inspections.Non-Qualifying Activities:Educational Pursuits: Time spent on real estate education or training programs does not count towards material participation.Investor Hours: Hours dedicated to investment analysis, financial planning, or portfolio management are not considered material participation.

This is an excellent community of like minded individuals that can greatly help you achieve success in your investing pursuit!

I would make it too expensive for him to continue his pursuit, whatever that may be.

Your story serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance, networking, and taking action in pursuit of my goals.I truly appreciate your words of encouragement and the reminder to stay focused and proactive in my real estate endeavors.

My goal has been to borrow money for the rehab, rent it out to generate income for the Trust's beneficiaries, and then do a cash-out refi to recoup my down payment and any other out-of-pocket expenses.I believe there are limitations in an Irrevocable Trust, which would prevent me from simply deeding the property to myself or possibly even to an LLC if I create one, even if the end result is in pursuit of my fiduciary duties to the beneficiaries, as Trustee (i.e. making the home inhabitable and generating rental income for the beneficiaries).

@Don Konipoli can have some sympathy for #4, since it's drilled into everyone now that you can't advance in any field unless you 'have a mentor' - so i try to redirect those into an old-fashioned pursuit called 'making friends' or, not quite as bad, 'networking.'

Although, waiting on the sidelines in pursuit of the ideal property only worsens your long-term prospects for embarking on your wealth-building journey through real estate.4.)

Between job transitions, grad school, money tied up in other business ventures, and the rising interest rates, my real estate investing pursuits were pushed to the side.

Assuming that doesn't work out at all, does cash or HELOC work "better" for one of these pursuits?