For example, if I return a screwdriver to Lowes, it counts that as revenue.

A lot of people don’t realize this, but in addition to real estate agents selling stuff, they are also being sold, every brokerage, every title company, even lenders, have courses on literally scripts, how to build out your social media, how to find fsbo listings etc, truth is none of these are effective, pretty much the only way to be a successful agent is either ton of ad spend or the hard work of meeting people in person through events meetups etc, but brokerages make money by head count, even title and lenders are happy if you close a few deals a year with them, so they sell this stuff to agents who than use those scripts on you, it’s a whole prymond scheme lol

And if you are going to rent a bedroom of the unit you live in then your accountant might let that count as well.But for the most part the portion of the new property that will be used for investment must be worth at least as much as the net sale of your old property. 

A PMC has to manage a property and tenants on a daily basis - while the agent is only counting their commission check.Do agree and agent & PMC should team up to provide great service!

Counting 2x4s is not how you do it.

Single-family homes is for strategic and savvy investors, as bedroom count is king, especially as they target the multi-generation family and group-booking tourists. 

It is recommended for higher property counts but is a little bit overkill for a small portfolio. 

Will the profit be counted as self- employment income or long-term investment income?

Count on your own judgment and ask for advice from the BiggerPockets Community.Good luck!

As my OP mentioned, once the door count increases in a handful, my question is wouldn't this make more sense to have your own team involved instead of outsourcing to a property management firm?