You have to set them up, market, book and clean. 

This deal doesn't meet the 2% or 50% rule of thumb, but it has positive cash flow and is in a growing market, according to the latest 2024 Top 100 data from BP. 

If we are losing money every year, but do plan on holding on to it long term, with our goal being appreciation of the market and someone else paying a good chunk of our mortgage, is this worth doing on any level? 

Educate yourself with books, podcasts, and market research, define your goals, and build a team of professionals to support your journey.

hey kenneth, It is really difficult and any market right now to find cash flowing deals.

Those that own it can be harder to sell as the cash flow from the business will cover the debt service for the business, but not for the real estate.Example: I had a very high-end assisted living facility on the market. 

I’m planning to move what I have in stock market ($2.5-3Mil) to buy a good realestate.

Time ManagementReal estate can consume all your time with endless tasks—client meetings, marketing, and paperwork.

I have found my market and have created my team thus far. 

Not familiar with those markets, but here is my experience starting at 22 and what I regret after house hacking twice: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/922/topics/1133476-hous...