Hello Jack, in Texas I find a lot of investors using the Subject 2 method, especially with FHA properties where they are at or under water on their mortgage, but most of the mortgage rates are under 4%.

For depreciation and cost segregation benefits, the property must be used in a trade or business (i.e., generating rental income).

I think what sticks out to me most is the trade off for time, experience, stress.

I would also try to get my hands on as many OMs to see what assets are trading for.Gino

The $10,000 spent on “education” was spent to learn a specific method, technique or strategy.  

The seminal book on the strategy, 30-Day Stay, published here on BiggerPockets and written by MTR pioneering investors Sarah Weaver and Zeona McIntyre, has helped popularize the method.

If there was a certified receipt, it should have been included.Florida method of service

It sounds like you are mashing a lot of different things together here.It does not matter at all if you have an LLC, or if you, or your wife is the owner - it doesn't change any of the tax positioning in the slightest.The test to be a qualified Real Estate Professional is at least 750 hours in real property trades or businesses AND  over 50% of your professional time. 

I have one Amex card showing up and a bunch of student loans - do banks take these as trades?

As I've learned from the BP podcasts and in my personal experience in the industry and the trade, succes in real estate investing is so much impacted by the professional relationships and connections, and as such, I'm excited and motivated to start meeting and working with likeminded, motivated, and ambitious persons like myself!