@Jordan Meltzer unless you find a screaming deal - a Class A property won't cashflow for 3-5 years.Class B: 1-3 years.Class C: most investors don't properly understand the risks, so should stay away from them.So, you may need to deal with negative cashflow, but plan on appreciation increasing your wealth.

We never planned to keep our new build for 30 years, which is why we would have never used your cap ex valuation. 

IF you plan on going back someday, and this is the home you want to move back to, then renting it would be a good idea as long as you estimate that it will cover itself, or preferably, cash flow, which it appears that yours will at @ $2K or so per month (after expenses). 

I plan to sale the lots that way.

But the rental too does have to meet the "active conduct of a trade or business" threshold, which does mean you wouldn't qualify to use section 179 if you have a rental that is managed entirely by someone else and you aren't at least overseeing it and making decisions about the management of it.I mostly disagree with the reply suggesting that you need to have an LLC to take the section 179 deduction. 

For example, if you're planning a kitchen remodel, get multiple quotes to ensure you have a solid grasp of what it will actually cost.3.

Building a strong financial plan, researching markets, assembling a reliable team, and having an exit strategy are essential steps to success.Good luck!

I'm presently a facilities engineer by trade, who does some construction and maintenance for landlords on the side, hoping to get back into the private real estate game.

Day traders are not exempt unless they elect mark-to-market (MTM) accounting, which eliminates wash sale tracking but taxes gains as ordinary income.To manage taxes, track trades closely, avoid overlapping purchases, or consider MTM election if trading actively.

Dave Van Horn is a collegue of mine and I am glad that he was able to point you in a direction that helped you feel better about your retirement planning.