But that's me.To answer your question, I'm not in the business of recycling dirty money but I think it's pretty well known and established the the proceeds for criminality and the drug trade is invested in all sort of business, especially real estate.

File with the Federal trade commission now.  

Problem is only "RE pros" get to do it.There are 3 income classifications in the US - Active, Portfolio, and PassiveActive income is income derived from your job, or normal trade or business.Portfolio income is derived from bank instruments - stocks, bonds, etc.Passive income is income earned from investments.Active losses can wipe out both passive and portfolio income, but it doesn't work the other way around.Portfolio (capital) losses are limited to $3,000 annually.Passive losses can only be offset by passive gains.Real estate rental income by its nature is deemed passive per IRC Sec 469One way to get around it is to become a pro - spend more than 750 hours or 1/2 your time in real estate.But most folks aren't real estate pros.

I was on a Senate Steering committee way back in 85 on how to deal with all the platted antiquated lots in CA. there are millions lots created before the modern rules and these lots exist today but many are not buildable and are traded back and forth from tax sale buyers to retail buyers who dont realize their 5k lot in CA is non buildable.So there was a big conference in FT.

He also visits the properties, inspects them and builds a work scope with line item budgets for each trade work.

I'm a carpenter / contractor by trade, and I've done a few major whole-house renovations of personal homes over the last decade or so.  

If i was starting from scratch, i'd probably start by developing a job skill, probably in the trades like electrician or plumber.

Odds are most good agents will know what stuff actually trades for but I’m not sure how to verify it.

Those duplex's my clients bought are now trading high 400s low 5s .On the flip side my current project in Canby Oregon I am alble to negotiate 1 to 1.2% for the buyers Brokers these are 700 to 1 mil each..

Homeland covers: Stopping financial fraud, illegal trade and the sale of fake goods to protect the U.S. economy, American businesses and your money."