Despite being a "numbers person" by trade, I've been surprised by all the expenses in rental ownership that I had never even considered. 

I highly recommend going with a bigger brokerage first to learn the ropes, contract language and tricks to the trade.

I do have some large projects in the pipeline which could increase that number by another 100K or so but its safe to say low 300's and I will have a tax bill of about 50K this year so ultimately it is very safe to say I am liquid for 250K right now that I'm ready to invest.Due to my job I have access to subcontractors of all trades... roofing, tile, granite, flooring, paint etc at pretty much cost (day rates of the actual laborers).  

Iv'e worked on High rise buildings, custom homes, renovations, rehabs and many years of labor in many different trades but, have no knowledge in Residential Real Estate. 

Trade onsitemgr(employee) for a PM vendor. 

One of my main focuses wasn't necessarily appreciation, but to stay in the game with good rents covering expenses plus, so it seems like a good trade off.

I am trying to complete the application for Trade Name and on question #4 its asking me, Do I have a personal property account ( " L " number) and if no it's directing me to complete an annual personal property with the State of Maryland Assessments and Taxation Department and I have no property to report at this time.

The issue is that flip transactions are considered a trade or business activity, and if a tax exempt entity like an IRA engages in a business on a regular or repeated basis, then there is a tax known as UBIT that applies to the gains from such business income.

SI is pretty cheap compared to brooklyn or Manhattan, so many people are willing to trade longer commutes for less rent ie 3k/month rent for small 1 bed 1bath in Manhattan to 1k/month similar size apartment in SI.

BTW I too trade stocks!