While you certainly can (subject to the contribution limits), your ability to make deductible contributions to an IRA is limited if your AGI is too high.

The payments and interest are high.

If one is a high W2 earner, real estate is not the place.

@Greg Kurzner Thank you for speaking highly of me.

We specialize in helping investors access opportunities in both residential and commercial markets, leveraging our network and industry knowledge to identify high-potential deals.

Saw some new building going on around Lawerenceville with high asking prices..close to L.A prices it seems.https://www.redfin.com/PA/Pittsburgh/4618-Carlton-...

These rates can get very high, but access to more lending unsecured if needed. 

Quote from @Jed Butikofer: Unfortunately, it takes money to make money.With high prices and high mortgage rates, cash flow is difficult to find and we may not see a return to the 2018 market for a while.

For active investments I advocate considering how you can diversify WITHOUT ceding your competitive advantage nor the superior profitability of the niche your in.As an example my business is running an investment fund and syndication high interest commercial mortgage loans secured by income producing real estate. 

Buy low sell high..