If not, prepare to spend quite a bit furnishing it as in $20,000+ and probably way more3) Are you wanting to become more active in investing and hosting?

Sure, sorry I have not been active in these forums.

I have already met with and spoken with a couple through my current work (both active and recently "retired") that didn't seem all that eager to get into the topic, or interested even offering advice beyond "I wouldn't recommend it."

Passive Activity Losses: Are there ways to offset my W-2 income with rental losses, or do I need to qualify as a real estate professional for that to work?

You need to know how many of those things/activities lead to a deal.

Then, actively track and adjust as need.

Hi @Katie Lyon,Properties are typically still selling in Cape Coral right now to active buyers, even with elevated inventory.

DM me if interested.We have a very active real estate community here from CTREIA and meetups from @Brandon Rush, @Stephanie Cabral, @Devin Peterson, @Ryan Luby in central CT.  

I have met a few folks recently who are active in that market and I am planning on following up and seeing what their experience has been.

SOLD comps vs ACTIVE is very important.