If they pass the personal smell test, I go to step 2.2.

She reset her front door code and then locked up without testing that her new code worked.

Mailing a few thousand or fewer pieces of mail or less per month, you won't have the statistical significance to test and understand what is working vs. what isn't.

Once you have a shortlist, sign up for an account with each one and test them extensively to see how they function.

This 5 year plan allows me to test multiple different strategies of REI, learning lots along the way, and help me figure out what my "niche" is.Just thinking out loud here haha but I appreciate your comments to inspire me to further think through my real estate journey!

However, i definitely will get someone to come in to test the mold No insurance on a rental in California? 

Test the waters with the sponsor for 3-5 years as they hold the properties in the DST, then decide if you want to align with them as a part of your long estate plan.Last (and best) recommendation: Ask your broker what the funds from operations (FFO) ratio is.

I would really encourage you to talk to your CPA to ensure you meet material participation tests and are adequately documented.

And also test their market knowledge - which neighborhoods are seeing the best appreciation, do they have a network of PMs, lenders, and GCs, etc.

Now is not the time to “test the market” with an ambitious price to “see what happens.”