This will allow you to learn the ropes and minimize your risk as you gain experience.Monitor your investments: Continuously track your investments' performance, including rental income, expenses, and property value.

I care about total return and have barely a concern about the source of the return but try to minimize the return from cash flow due to the tax consequences.  

Hey Catherine,We classify it as a 'Delayed Purchase' and set it at 80% of purchase price. 

I have folks that focus on delayed financing, because ‘cash is king’ and the need for quick, smooth transactions help to acquire these properties and get them moving. 

Renting by room to the max occupancy to minimize the outflow of your personal cash into the property.3.

At retirement is when you want to minimize risk. 

As such, we are considering owning the properties in our own names to minimize tax burdens.Our primary motivation for investing in real estate is appreciation, as current projections show neutral cash flow.

A strategy you may consider  is selling is using either a 1031 or a structured installment sale to delay taxes. 

With a purchase price of $160,000 and a sale price of $180,000, the property promised substantial returns with minimal risk.

This is always a good indicator of poor craftsmanship and project delays. - Regarding @Basit Siddiqi's statement that if you are a developer the income would be treated as ordinary income, this is correct.