I have no idea on how any of that works, but if he is serious about getting into RE and if that's what he wants to do....then do it. 1500/month is about minimum wage, I don't see that much risk in taking the leap into wholesaling if that is what he stands to "lose" 

Real estate, by default, is passive and the primary way to avoid the passive loss rules is to qualify as a real estate professional.Full-time employees and non-real estate business owners cannot qualify as a real estate professional (aka REPS status) because one of the tests is to spend more time in real estate than anything else (and it’s unlikely that you can convince the IRS or Tax Court that you spent more time in RE than your day job).

You have a very different situation now.If you don't have cash to invest in real estate, then RE is not the right place for you right now.

Easiest way for most ppl to continue to do deals if wholesaling becomes illegal in your state is get your RE License.

Better off investing in Indian RE till your visa issues are sorted out.

We've streamlined re-stocking as well.

Why are you re-installing mechanicals on vacant properties - after they've been stolen?

Then once you know values and numbers of your market, then you can start to spot opportunity.Go to local RE meetups.

And remember that time has a good way of healing most RE sins.

If you have the other income and can afford to keep rolling your RE profits and additional money into growing your RE empire for the long term then there is no rule saying that you shouldn't or can't do that.