My approach doesn't require any special expertise in trades to make the estimates only that you are honest with yourself about your estimates.

To qualify, taxpayers must meet specific criteria demonstrating that they are real estate professionals who materially participate in their rental activities.How to Navigate the Rules:Step 1: Identify your real property trades or businessesHere is a list of activities that are considered to be a real property trade or business:RedevelopmentLeasingConversionConstructionReal property developmentReconstructionOperationRentalBrokerageManagementAcquisitionIf you participate in multiple of these activities, you may be able to combine them making it easier to meet the material participation hour requirements.Step 2: Demonstrate material participation in real property trades or businessesThere are seven tests to determine if you demonstrate material participation.

My rationale: - Office is essentially not trading right now on the market.

Investors buy shares and earn returns through dividends and potential stock price appreciation.You typically can’t lose more than your initial investment with publicly traded REITs.

For illustration purposes, it's quite normal to acquire a mix use building consisting of 9 residential units + 1 commercial space for less than a 9 unit multi-family building would trade in the equivalent location because the commercial space is an automatic disqualifier for many investors.

Wholesaling is just adding another time-for-money trade to your already busy schedule.

A lot of people realize later that they traded a steady, easy job with the weekends off for an unpredictable, annoying job that is 24/7.Remember that you aren't chasing financial freedom; you are chasing time freedom.

Is it worth doing a 1031 to trade up? 

Networking with real estate professionals, agents, and other investors can uncover valuable opportunities like off market, trades, and even owner financing deals.  

I need to figure out the trade-offs and plan for the longer term!