In your case, with a history of passing audits and having a CPA who is experienced in IRS representation, you're in a strong position should an audit occur.Regarding audit statistics, the IRS generally audits fewer than 0.5% of individual returns, with even lower rates for those earning under $1 million annually.

Depending how much you earn you can step up those savings by getting a side-hustle.

@Natasha BradfordTo save your hard-earned cash and energy, I strongly suggest signing up for one of the many wholesale programs available.

I have found people to partner with to do deals, and have earned back double my cost of joining after only being in the group for 1 year. 

AS a HML I have seen this play out with investors that drink the sub too coolaid and are simply not financially capable to handle issues when things go sideways.I have also personally bought over 100 sub to deals in my career..

Since flipping income is considered active income, it combines with your W2 earnings and can push you into a higher tax bracket, so it's important to set aside funds for both the increase in income tax and self-employment taxes. 

Median household earning $79K/year doesn't have $400K-$800K cash in a bank to buy the houses, much less finance it with 7% APR.

I’m used to dealing with sharks in my career field. 

As with any investment PML does carry risk, so investors must weigh their own personal goals and risk appetites against the returns.Long term (after that career of investing you mentioned) I see myself going more heavily into the PML/ LP route.

., they are going to get the accurate, honest review that they earned, not some lame response like, "We're sorry that you felt like checking in one night early, was not appropriate".