Not my place to give financial advice, but as you mention, focus on the deal and do not make a bad bet to save on taxes...

Your safest bet in something like this would be to live in it, rehab it, then sell it/rent it out and do it again.

I'm looking for ready to assemble (RTA) that do not have any particle board or OSB.Found RTACabinets.com which seems interesting but I'd like to look at some in person if possible, maybe even LA County.Current quote from HD (Home Depot) for their ready made in inventory cabinets is $2600, those are particle board low grade cabinets.I'm going to bet Kevin Fox replies in this thread.

I think your best bet would be to go through your rolodex and ask them what they are looking for (asset type, specific returns, timeline, etc) and become a bird dog/wholesaler where you would sell the deals you find.

Apartment complexes normally are a safer bet for repairs, big SFH attract big groups of kids which will also increase parties of course

I'd bet he makes more on the marketing side as opposed to actual RE Investing.

Like has been said, the Midwest markets are going to be your best bet.

You can get great cash-flow in Cincinnati and I think C areas would be your best bet.

If its going to make or break him, might be better for mental health to sell.Austin is a great market and Id be willing to bet the vacancy could be plugged quickly. 

A local Facebook page with real estate investors might be your best bet for receommendations