It is an old housing stock, so yes there is a little sharper due diligence needed on potential capital expenses - but there is also a boatload if opportunity if you’re good at sizing up those costs.

Right attitude, no headaches, no babysitting, has to love real estate ( not compare it to stocks,gold,etc.

My thought is that if the 50k gain is immediately reinvested into rental stock, the actual net income is zero, but I’m almost sure I’m oversimplifying things.Assuming the answer is "no you cannot", is there any way to do flips to fund rentals that minimize current tax obligations (dumping 100% of proceeds into solo 401k, and then taking loans from 401k to fund the rental downpayment/repairs)?  

Also you could find a stable smaller town where there is a stocks of small multis.

I always try to think of real estate investing in terms of stock investing. 

The current government is doing what they can to encourage growth and prosperity in the area as well.Downtown and Notre Dame multifamily does concern me currently, I think they are building far too much premium (A-Class) stock in the area right now.

And seeing as this money is retirement money that I previously had 'safely' tucked into the stock market I'm even more careful about it.  

Probably a mix of notes and syndication, and then stock market

Does anyone have any recommendations on investing in stocks?

I have a 750 credit score and about 36k in stocks and stuff.