I'd suggest that you stabilize your career before you pull the trigger on your first investment.

Capital--earning with flips to reinvest in our portfolio How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

@Othman Zizi Following the NAR settlement the way brokerage fees are earned and who is responsible varies transaction to transaction.

That means you can earn an infinite rate of return because you'll be using 100% Financing.

I find that when I allow pets, I get more and higher quality applicants who earn more, have better credit, and have fewer background problems.

Over time as rental income replaces earned w2 income, if one spouse quits their W-2 job to focus on real estate, that spouse could qualify as a real estate professional, allowing you to use real estate losses to offset the other spouse’s W-2 income.

I work in a bank and see first hand how they filter their earnings through the system in creatively various ways. 

I want to increase my personal income to help fund a second rental, but my career limits me mainly to remote jobs and gigs.I’m curious if there are any other investors out there that started with a similar skill set to mine, and what other skills they developed to help increase their W2 income and to help build their real estate knowledge and experience? 

If the total loan amount isn't enough then begin building your 9-5 working career.

You are suffering from unsatisfaction and FOMO, but keeping your W2 is the best strategy for long-term wealth because you are lendable and earning the whole time.