I'm very interested in notes lately and might start with the PPR fund.

Start by exploring books, YouTube channels, market research, and analyzing trends in neighborhoods.

Unless you are sourcing properties yourself off-market, REI became much more challenging in 2023, and downright brutal since the start of 2024 here.   

Have to start from scratch on reviews/super host status. 

I know the decision shouldn't be made of tax benefit alone but starting to think other areas may help me accomplish both more efficiently.

I don't think rent to retirement can vet a deal any better than anyone else or you, they just have a bit of a system. but the new builds in Lehigh acres, Cape Coral, north port, etc are all garbage. septic systems, poor economics, low rent to purchase price ratios, you are banking on appreciation and buying at market. building direct is going to give you a competitive advantage on a 3 unit let's say worth 600,000 you are going to be 120k ahead than if you bought it through them. that's my analysis. if you are super lazy and too busy to make money and have millions to throw around then I'd recommend not thinking much about investing. but you can also invest in funds and be way omre passive than buying a new build from far away. but if you want to add real value then get involved and make it happen. getting wealthy isn't easy. you work hard for your money and there are build to rent developers like us that try to answer and add value to start buiding relationshipsl

I would start with them.I am not based in LA, so I don't know your exact laws, but I think I can still provide some initial direction for you to find answers, and maybe offer an idea to research.  

If you haven’t already, start saving for major capital expenditures.

We just started using Rent Redi at the beginning of the year. 

Courses and webinars are great if you're getting basic information to help start you off, but you'll never truly retain the information if you don't apply it.