@Robert Brock, I guess my advice is not really any different than I would say to someone wanting to be a residential wholesaler: you need to add value to the transaction.Often times, having the deal tied up is the value, but more often then not, in my limited experience with commercial wholesalers and residential, the wholesaler has no idea what someone will actually pay, so they tie up a deal at too high a price and then add their fee that turns a bad investment into a horrible investment. 

Based on the information provided, you can only claim a capital loss when you actually sell or dispose of your REIT investment, not when the REIT simply returns a portion of your principal.

With out knowing your actual cash position, it is tough to tell.

When I have some free time, I'll research other options that won't cost a fortune for the small guy.

I would also consider MTR in these markets as it is highly profitable with less turnover and more options for guests.

As long as comps don't reflect those highly upgraded sidings most investors would go with the cheaper option if the purpose is to maximize benefits on the refinance. 16k for siding sounds high if it's a 1000-1500 sqft home

Here’s a quick overview of potential pros and cons, along with general advice on working with hard money lenders like them.Pros:Flexible Financing Options: Rehab Financial Group often specializes in real estate investing and provides hard money loans for BRRRR deals, which may be a good match for your needs.Quick Funding: Hard money lenders like Rehab Financial can sometimes offer quicker access to funds compared to traditional banks, which is important for BRRRR investors looking to move fast on properties.Cons:Higher Interest Rates: Hard money lenders usually charge higher interest rates than traditional financing sources.

Are there other creative options I haven’t considered?

Since you're open to markets beyond NYC, you might want to connect with local investor meetups or REI groups in those areas to build relationships with agents, wholesalers, and lenders who understand the nuances of each market.If you're looking to break out of analysis paralysis, maybe start by narrowing down one or two target markets and running numbers on actual deals.

Additionally if you are deeding the property you live in to an LLC you may lose the homestead exemption which could actually increase your taxes.