Look into DSCR loans, which use rental income for qualification, allowing you to scale without relying on personal income.

I use apartments.com, so the money didn't end up in my account until 1/6/25.Is this considered income for 2024 or 2025? 

With buyers and renters relying more on online listings, I'm curious how valuable do you find virtual tours in showcasing properties?

I know little about owner financing, and to be honest, if I take on a 300k house payment (or even 250k for that matter), I would struggle to make the payment if I had a prolonged vacancy due to my current W2 income. 

I agree with @Isadore Nelson, there will be an initial sting due to to the IRA transaction but with quick math at 8% your 60k will generate about 4.8k in year one, in 4 months at 1.3k you've already eclipsed that, their will also be a larger tax for passive income and an initial penalty from the IRS, but it won't erode the 8 month difference let alone the yearly compounding effect.

If you wanted to diversify you could use the income and purchase other properties, slowly add other properties. 

Is your Adjusted Gross Income over $150k where you can't reduce your income with rental losses?

My wife and I have business income and our accountant can divide the income according to what would be the best for reducing tax liability.  

There are so many shady sellers out there that you meet online, so it's nice to work with folks who will shoot you straight.

My overall goal is have passive income while I am able to travel the world at ease.