Bad contractors are one of the main reasons why first time investors never do a second deal.

But from my understanding, the captial gains exclusion has two main criterias - you must have owned the home in the last 2 to 5 years and must have lived in the home in the last 2 to 5 years. 

For example:"See how [Client Name] cut their supply costs by 20% with our help!""

As long as the property cash flows, that's what is mainly needed. 

Since you are renting out part of your primary residence in Maryland, your main concerns should be liability protection and tax compliance rather than complex asset structures.

My main goal is to find something relatively close to the DMV area but without the DMV price tag.

@Dave Chengoue there are a lot of opportunities in the area, the main thing is to create your team to help you execute.You also have to evaluate your strategy.

As a licensed Real Estate Broker in Maine, I managed the acquisition and renovation of 1272 Lakins Rd, Etna, leveraging my expertise and industry knowledge.

Unfortunately, my work phone is forwarded to my cell phone as I mainly work from home due to health issues. 

After doing research on the market (see above noted indicators) and creating an investor deck (mainly to prove to  myself as the main capital provider.