My advice, don't go for a homerun, a base hit is just fine.. buy something solid and get educated about your market.Its sounds like you are spreading yourself a little thin with all those markets to study. 

I wouldn't limit yourself to a certain amount of deals per year.

This marks Bascom’s sixth acquisition in 2024, further solidifying its strategy of investing in high-demand markets.Despite a challenging market with high interest rates, Bakersfield’s strong multifamily fundamentals, including population growth and limited housing supply, have made it a prime investment location.

These people are also concentrated in major metro areas with lots of red tape on development and limited space to build anything new. 

If your income is below the $150,000 AGI limit you will be able to use up to $25,000 of the passive losses (if any) to reduce your income and therefore tax. 

As @RussellBrazil pointed out, it’s important to be mindful of the city limits between DC, Maryland, and Virginia — they’re all in close proximity, and it’s easy to blur the lines!

There are some additional things that could help determine which loan product is best for your situation.203k Best When:- Credit scores 680-720 or less- Renovation will improve the value of the home more than 75%- Renovations will be on or in the home - no new yard projects, only fixing existing- Higher Debt To Income (can get approval with up to 56.9% dti)HomeStyle Best When:- Purchase + Renovation costs will come in higher than FHA Limits- Home improvements will only improve vale 75% or less - 720+ credit or 20% down (of purchase price + reno cost) to avoid PMI- Exterior Projects (fence, hardscaping, pool, outdoor kitchen)- Lower Debt To Income (sometimes as high as 50%, many times between 45-50%)- Renovations that are greater than $35,000 (soon this will move up to $75,000)Happy to answer any other questions that you may have!

While the self-directed IRA is a great structure for investing into real estate and other alternative assets, the Solo 401k is widely considered to be even better.Compared to an IRA, Solo 401k contribution limits are roughly ten times higher and there is no custodial requirement for the 401k.

Knowing this on the front end limits any exposure to major fluctuations on deal terms once submitted.

You have to research, study and find the indicators on various I.D.'