I’m fairly new to the BP forums and BP site in general, But I have been very active on the podcasts and books stacking education and knowledge in the real estate field. 

Stay in the same housing plan, school district, etc.Don't just look at sold comps, also look for active, contingent, and under contract listings.

Uses the syndication depreciation losses to help offset active incomeI did read your post mentioned above @Michael Plaks which is very informative.

We have worked with Investors and they are never really married to their Realtors unless you happen to connect with somebody looking to do a long-term hold and actively trying to find a good realistic deal. 

You can also get into more active strategies like STR and rehabs, but the work required to get in this is significant and at that point you might be able to just get a new role with the same pay with the equivalent effort.Is your entire industry in a hiring freeze or just your company laying off?

Avoid "passive" investments, focus on "active" investments to deter risk and really prioritize quality over quantity.How much funds do you have to get this started, you'll need 10x what you have to get remotely where you want to be.

Problem is only "RE pros" get to do it.There are 3 income classifications in the US - Active, Portfolio, and PassiveActive income is income derived from your job, or normal trade or business.Portfolio income is derived from bank instruments - stocks, bonds, etc.Passive income is income earned from investments.Active losses can wipe out both passive and portfolio income, but it doesn't work the other way around.Portfolio (capital) losses are limited to $3,000 annually.Passive losses can only be offset by passive gains.Real estate rental income by its nature is deemed passive per IRC Sec 469One way to get around it is to become a pro - spend more than 750 hours or 1/2 your time in real estate.But most folks aren't real estate pros.

I'd find a partner who is well capitalized and looking for a more passive role in the business.

But we have a smaller one (1100 sq ft) in a lesser subdivision and not gatlinburg  that is getting tons of activity since we put it up for sale and it isn't complete. 

If they had not found the deal or participated at all, you would not owe them anything since it was off-market and they didn't play a role.