After five years, you'll have earned $90,000 in rent income and gained $34,000 in appreciation.Buy four houses with $50,000 down on each.

Do some wholesaling and fix & flips for some cash now, but also buy some rentals and land for some long term gains. 

Sounds more like trying to win a popularity contest, aiming to gain votes and likes from people here that also have something against wholesaling.But OK let me play along.Let's fact-check this:OP: "It’ll truly be strange to even hear people and gurus trying to make big money off it."

Let's see: You sell one property, and to avoid paying cap gains tax, you then reinvest those profits within 45 days into a larger "like kind" property.

No capital gains in Belize.  

Then you get to pay capital gains as well.

I will continue my due diligence process and you both have helped me gain more confidence with my decision to start working with Praxis.

I'll make sure to spend the initial deals learning and asking questions to gain practical insights.

This allows you to invest in another property while maintaining the asset.Alternatively, a 1031 exchange lets you defer capital gains taxes by reinvesting in higher-yielding or diversified properties. 1031 has limitations.

A tidy profit, plus confidence to tackle the next project solo.On the topic of self-directed IRAs: While they’re fantastic for gaining experience and diversifying into real estate over time, they can feel restrictive if your main goal is scaling quickly.Here’s what I’d focus on:Using Equity Wisely: A HELOC or cash-out refinance could unlock funds to pursue a flip or duplex without touching your 401(k).Partnering Smartly: Your realtor friend sounds like a great resource.