Looking into my crystal ball, it seems likely government assisted housing increases over time: college expenses & student debt keeps rising, new grads have a harder time finding jobs, millennials have been told to not expect Social Security to be around when they need it, and people are living longer (assisted living costs are chewing through retirees savings quickly).Sidebar on Section 8 Seniors: Nursing Homes and Assisted Living facilities that accept Section 8 are rare and sub-standard in my area. 

@Crystal Wilsonhmmm... 

Crystal Hoover

But I'd suggest putting your policies in writing so it's crystal clear up front and they don't even bother applying in the first place. 

Personally, I think it will be a little better than in 2023 than 2019 … but crystal ball cracked and it's a bit fuzzy. 

Unfortunately no one has a crystal ball to see exactly how it will unfold.

it looks like you're running 5 ways all at once. the best advice I can give is getting crystal clear on what the end goal is. then find one avenue and go all in on that one avenue. buying 5+ units is one avenue. buying a primary residence isnt an investment, buying a lake house STR is another avenue. flipping a house is yet another avenue. land! 

Don't have a crystal ball to know what interests rates will be in a year.

Find a CPA that knows the Real Estate Professional qualification to guide you - definition of qualified activities is not crystal clear.

@Crystal Smith - Thank you for giving me your opinion on this question!