I think when evaluating anything we should be critical of what is ordinary and what is extraordinary.

This is most of the depreciation you are taking year one.You can calculate your depreciation recapture by taking the sale price of the asset and subtracting the adjusted cost basis.The adjusted cost basis is what you paid for the asset plus any improvements you made along the way minus the depreciation you took along the way.The profit above this original cost is taxed as a capital gain, but the part linked to depreciation is taxed at a maximum rate of 25% under the unrecaptured gains of section 1250.To recap the tax rates are:- Sec. 1250 real property: 25%- Sec. 1245 property and 15 year 1250 property: Ordinary Tax RatesThere are ways to minimize depreciation recapture especially if you know how to work smart with your CPA.1) Asset Valuation at Time of Sale - Sellers can minimize recapture by reallocating the price of the assets on sale.

.: There IS going to be a big impact on Real Estate, especially for Single Family and small Multi-Family that is Owner Occupied.The SALT Deductions are slated to expire at the end of 2025.Trump has already said that he will allow it to Expire:https://about.bgov.com/insights/elections/2025-tax-policy-cr...This is NOT a small change.The Standard Deduction gets reduced by about 40%.Then you get to deduct the SALT (State and Local Tax) that you paid PLUS up to $1 Million in Interest from your Mortgage against your Federal Tax Return.The only limiting factor will be AMT (Alternative Minimum Tax).In 2017 when this Cap was put into place, it made sense.However, now that the average Home sells for about Double what it was back in 2017, many normal Americans can benefit from the Expiration.I'm hoping that the Trump Administration does not extend the Cap.Too many people will love him more if he allows it to Expire!

Cost segs unlock these savings, but the losses won't offset your ordinary income from your job unless you are an RE Pro.Here's how to think about RE Pro status to make the best case with your CPA and the IRS:RE Pro Status starts with the IRS definition of a Real Estate Professional (IRS Pub 925).It is not as simple as getting a real estate license or working for a firm that provides real estate services.Ask yourself these questions to see if you qualify:Q1: Are you in the right business?

@John Davey With an AGI over $150,000, all rental income and losses are bundled together and cannot offset ordinary income due to Passive Activity Loss (PAL) rules.In your example, the combined $3,000 net loss (from rentals 1, 2, and 3) is carried forward since your AGI is above the threshold.

You could just as easily use another income source, an ordinary checking account ("interest bearing" (* GUFFAW *!))

You can't compete against the all-inclusives unless you offer complimentary food and booze or you're cheap, as you seem to be confirming.This being said:1) Properties in Mexico/Cancun trade in USD so you have no foreign exchange risk in Mexico while properties in Colombia are traded in COP, the Colombian peso, which has been tanking over the years, eliminating any hope for capital gains for American investors.2) You can get a mortgage in Mexico but you can't in Colombia so even with lower revenue, Cancun would likely still be more profitable, even if you don't take capital gains into account.3) The political risk is much higher in Colombia, especially at this present time.Is Cartagena a bad investment?

For example, I'm with a local (not local to you) American Legion that is always open to conversations.

In my view, bitcoin is the truest form of money, it is the American dream.  

I do have a zero-leverage option which is taking out retirement funds early and $30k is tolerable for me.I assume you know but you will pay a 10% early withdrawal AND pay ordinary income tax on that 30k.