Others noted that the appreciation play could make it worth keeping, I tend to look more heavily on appreciation since real estate investing is more of a long term game.

It's part of the game. 

Alternative route I chose, I will leverage my duplex (purchased 4 years ago) equity through house hacking to have skin in the game on next flip.

I didn’t have much money and needed to find a way to get in the game. 10 years later, I’ve got 29 SFR that profit 19k/month (not including things breaking or vacancies).

@Stuart UdisAll great comments, seems like putting skin in the game will be a reassuring factor for any potential investors.

I already have land holdings near Everett that will certify out at 304 salable density bonus credits.To play this game, I get certified and then "clip off" the transferable development rights for sale to urban developers in the county, who can cash them in for an increase in dwelling unit density from an original 22 units/acre to 58 units, and building heights from 45' to 75'.

So, I'd like to get ahead of the game and start working up a plan and a strong argument for it which I can use when the time comes. 

Yes, the more units you go up, generally the less players in the game so there is some advantage in purchase competition as you go up, but also more management scale and cap ex for someone who is new.3.

Negotiating felt like a game of chess—except I was playing against a grandmaster, and my queen was missing.

Just keep in mind that entertainment expenses—like taking clients out for a show or a game—aren’t deductible anymore.And, yes, you can deduct 100% of your education expenses if you’re already a real estate investor.