So many "investors" bury themselves in complex, expensive situations to protect themselves from some unknown threat to their non-existent business.Figure out if you have any shooting skills (or even enjoy the game) before spending money on $600 Nikes or an indoor basketball court. 

Securities and Exchange Commission in January, the company’s real estate business lost $1.12 million, although the firm had relatively little debt compared with the stated value of its assets.The company also disclosed that it may use new investors’ money to pay dividends to existing ones.

I’d recommend starting with a property that needs little/cosmetic work that can be rented from day one, and preferably has existing tenants.

Never invest in any city on this list of the 50 most dangerous US cities.Low operating costs: High operating costs are one of the driving factors for many companies, leaving states with high taxes, regulations, and other costs.

Now, you can get some wholesalers but they usually don't know if the property will fit the requirements and regulations but you can learn that from the Realtor. 

Yes it exists, but as the above poster mentioned, lots of hoops to jump through.

Acquiring pre-existing rental portfolios?

Careful going outside state lines -- contract for deed is not allowed in Texas.I didn't think COD is illegal in Texas, just perhaps not recommended anymore, because it is difficult to comply with the rules or regulations. 

STRs, including 2 of mine existed before AirBnB.  

Only in community property states, can an LLC with only husband and wife as members elect to treat their LLC as a disregarded entity, which means all LLC income and expenses are reported on either Schedule C or Schedule E (as appropriate) as if the LLC did not exist.