You have to compare your expenses with each management style and find the option that works best for you.

Flipping is more than likely to be considered trade or business.2) Rentals: Rentals are not considered trade or business for this purpose, so initial inventory costs cannot be deducted as travel expenses.

I wish I could say that I'm venturing into real estate investing for some benevolent purpose like providing low-income housing for the needy... but financial gain is certainly my angle lol.

Understand the fees involved and calculate the total cost for an entire year of management so you can compare the different managers.

If you do something that is too high end or bold compared to what is available in the neighborhood, the exit could be very difficult 

This is a beautiful house - rehabbed/looking new and fresh - walking distance to the water etc, yet low gross yield  compared to Byrd (???)

And not to mention no stock matches the dividend rate one can get in real estate with such low risk/volatility. 20yrs ownership, oh-yeah, cash-flow on renting it would be HUGE now so it's easily comparable to a 20%+ monthly dividend, if not more.

I am going to continue to analyze the market until I am absolutely ready to buy with ample reserves and more specific analysis on comparable properties.

., (3) gives you viable options and explains the pros and cons of each option and (4) you enjoy interacting with - this should be a relationship, not a transaction.Once you find a few lenders like this (and you should have relationships with more than one), then you can start comparing rates and fees.

I wrote the above for informational purposes.