Lower prices usually mean less attention to details, slower communication and most importantly additional fees.

You must spend more than your net selling price.

In addition to my full-time role as an engineering manager, I’m building my real estate business as a side hustle with plans to grow it further.My current focus is on assisting first-time homebuyers and investors, but I’m always eager to explore new strategies and opportunities.

Additionally, since you need to replace your vehicle soon, you should consider how that $30k purchase fits into your overall budget.Take a close look at the current housing market in Orlando, where prices are around $400k for decent homes.

The successful wholesalers I know spend $8,000 + per month on online marketing, SEO, SEM, landing pages, lead conversion, etc.  

And yes, it may be a good idea to work for a wholesaler first to get your feet wet.I don't think it's necessary to spend money to get your real estate license first. 

Note that if you are married filing joint, only the spouse who is qualifying for REPS is able to count their hours.Step 4: Apply the quantitative testsPer Section 469(c)(7)(B), in order to qualify for REPS, you must meet both of the tests below:750-Hour Test: If you materially participate in a real property trade or business, you must spend 750+ hours during the tax year.More Than Half Test: You must spend more than half of your personal service hours in the real property trade or business in which you materially participate.Step 5: Material participation in rental activities Just because you qualify for real estate professional status does not mean that your rental activities are automatically considered non-passive.

Once your unit is rented, where do you end up spending most of your time as an investor/owner?

Something else to consider is that once these properties are paid off, you could cross collateralize to purchase additional properties that fit your buy box so that you may not need to bring cash to the table for a down payment.

What do you mean by the additional $18/sq design fee was not included?