However, I understand that achieving these goals is a gradual process—one that requires patience, diligence, and a stable foundation.The allure of “financial freedom” and “passive income” often captivates new investors.

This is one of the better new investor posts I have read in a while because you know to stay in your day job and earn money to invest and you are also way ahead of the curve thinking about syndication (as close to passive as you can get) over flipping (don't do that with friends).Your job for the next months would be to go to every meetup locally that you can and read books focused on what you are thinking about first.

And 25% of the gain is cut as a check directly to the two of you. 

I will be keeping in touch with all real estate investors to gain all perspectives. 

Opportunity Zones allow investors to defer and minimize capital gains taxes.  

Booking.com is definitely gaining some market share as of late.

The grass is always greener....STRs are FAR from passive.

my goal is always to have passive income from rental properties but right now I’m thinking more of being able to pocket cash and later make plans on rentals.

Either become an expert in the niche/market you want to invest in or invest passively alongside an experienced investor (syndications/funds).

You need to determine how much asset protection you gain from the LLC versus how much you lose through either paying higher insurance premiums or taking the risk of not being covered when the time comes.