The reality is that the new generation of native-born Americans don't want to build houses, they all want cushy high-paid jobs in tech or finance etc. or to get rich quick off of crypto or being a youtuber or running internet businesses, etc. very few of them want to work in the trades. 

Since you're not working, you may qualify for REPS, but you need to meet the750-hour requirement and materially participate in your properties.The $300k withdrawal will be taxed as ordinary income, so using cost segregation to create depreciation losses could help reduce your taxable income.

Keep and eye on the American Families Tax Relief Act. 

Passive losses cannot be deducted against ordinary income.

The costs to purchase and hold real estate are continuing to increase requiring most Americans to devote nearly 50% of their income to housing expenses.

I'm part of an Asian American real estate group called SARE with multiple chapters in SoCal.

I have targeted Houston Texas ( Harris county), but the competition is extra ordinary.

If you use insurance to make ordinary repairs, it will eventually drive up costs.

Start small - get yourself a househack, learn from your own experience of owning the rental property you live in, continue to educate yourself with reliable resources, and then worry about the next home.Having just one solid investment will put you ahead of most Americans than trying to find a way to buy 10 doors out of state in an area you don't even understand. 

A real estate professional is allowed to take rental losses against ordinary income.