The 4 properties will always make more money than the 1 (all things being equal).  

I have equally found that there is something magical about IN-PERSON MEETUPS...when I left my traditional W2 for a PropTech startup I led our grass-roots business development by going to every possible Chicago Meetup for about 2 YEARS STRAIGHT!

If you’re planning on banking on appreciation, it’s crucial to buy in a location with strong demand drivers like proximity to tech hubs or transportation.On the flip side, if cash flow is a priority for you, you might want to consider looking outside the Bay Area, in markets where the rent-to-price ratio is more favorable.Exit Strategy: Always have a clear exit strategy.

Separating Y and taxing it as an S Corp could be beneficial if you're looking to take advantage of those tax savings, but only if Y's profits justify the additional administrative burden.Rental Agreement for Home Office:Yes, you can lease your home office space to your LLCs, but it’s crucial to keep everything documented and ensure the rent charged is fair market value.

Networking is crucial to success in real estate investing and joining a group like this would give you access to mentors, realtors, financers, ect.

We say we'll go 85% on that product, but honestly, it's hard to find a property that is that heavily leveraged where the rent equals or exceeds the mortgage principal, interest, taxes, insurance and HOA fees.

Some U.S. banks may be reluctant to offer mortgages to non-residents, so you might need to look into Canadian banks with U.S. branches or specialized lenders who cater to foreign investors.Legal Structure: Setting up the right legal structure (like an LLC or a corporation) is crucial for liability protection and tax purposes.

Ex (random numbers pulled out of thin air)$100k purchase $160k ARV$30k reno but $20k at cost$15k holding costsTotal Cost:$145k cost or $135k with contractorWith the contractor at cost, I have an extra $10k of margin where I don't lose money, but obviously not ideal for the contractor since they would make less.I think a good way to price it would be the equity would equal your profit if you did a fee construction at slightly below the projected ARV, and slightly below the projected hold time.

However, laws vary, so it's crucial to understand your state's specific regulations. 

A real estate agent with knowledge of investments, analyzing deals, knowing construction, and having crucial contacts will drastically improve your odds of success.