How to track potential growth in an area to see if a lot is viable for purchase and building spec homes on etc. 

Since then, we have been dedicating our time to learning as much as possible—reading extensively, analyzing potential deals, and listening to BiggerPockets podcasts.After careful consideration, we decided to sell our current home and rent instead, allowing us greater flexibility as we begin our real estate investment journey.

I’d dig into this a bit more.Another assumption that stood out to me as potentially problematic is the 6% income growth and only 3% expense growth.

In efforts to get more experience with IOS, we are seeking a financial partner that potentially has experience with this asset class. 

Life sucks, then you die.So will the compensation payouts take decades?

Setting rent significantly above FMV could be seen as an attempt to shift income or inflate deductions, leading to potential penalties.

Because you're new, it is a good idea to ask about the brokerage's agent training offerings and potential teams to join to get experience. 

Since you’re already networking and have some good realtor contacts, focus on narrowing down your investment strategy (like buy-and-hold or house hacking) and target markets with solid cash flow potential.

Potential fix and flip coming! 

It can come from a personal investor who will negotiate terms, or potentially a piece of the equity.