Take the average household income in an area of working class residents. 

You must work at least 750 hours per year in a qualified RE business.So most people who have high-earning W-2 jobs outside of real estate won't qualify.But the unique thing about RE pro status is that even if you don’t qualify but your spouse does, you can both file jointly and claim the losses from your RE investments to offset your other active income together.It's an incredibly powerful benefit if you do meet the criteria.

Appreciation is a real thing and not only this the demand for quality low-income housing is real. 

My goal, over the next five years, is to utilize real estate in lieu of my current hourly consulting income, by building a portfolio of rentals.  

Unlike banks, which offer limited loan options, brokers have access to a wide network of lenders, including niche and non-traditional financing sources.Here’s what they do:Assess your financial situation to determine your borrowing power.Compare multiple loan products to find the most favorable terms.Negotiate rates and terms with lenders on your behalf.Guide you through the application process, ensuring you meet all requirements.Example: Suppose you have a lower credit score or unconventional income sources.

I would suggest getting another full-time job for the time being and investing/doing STR on the side until you can fully and comfortably replace the income that you would be receiving from your job.Is your LTR in need of repair?

Perhaps they want long term income for their retirement and ultimately their heirs.

Also the ability to repay -  your source of income. 

“A new Michigan law bans many landlords from rejecting tenants based on source of income, like housing vouchers, veterans’ benefits or Social Security.Gov.

For investors, the current market presents a mixed bag: while short-term rental income may be lower, Miami remains a strong market for long-term growth as affordability attracts more tenants.What’s your take on Miami’s rental market?