If you put landlording next to exercising, exercising might be more passive as an activity.

This whole exercise may or may not make sense depending on the reason for doing it.

Call me old fashioned, but real estate is an income producing physical asset.

For existing companies, individuals who own at least 25% of the entity or exercise substantial control over it must submit BOIR to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) by December 31, 2024.

Networking through local meetups or REIAs can connect you with experienced investors and potential mentors.With your REITs as a passive foundation, physical properties could give you more leverage and control.

Quote from @Gregory Wilson: This depends on what level of control you can exercise over the W-2 employer.

Outside of real estate, I enjoy my kids, travel, exercise, wellness and I am also a former Financial Planner turned Mortgage Lender. 

You always invest for appreciation not solely, you always invest understanding it's a physical asset and requires different risk measures.

Question - if you’ve contracted for a property you intend to “wholesale” - i.e. flip the contract - and that doesn’t pan out, do you exercise a clause enabling you to exit the deal, or do you close it in your name?  

I would place MUCH more emphasis on connecting with the right team than on actually visiting and getting comfortable the physical location of the market.