Professional inspections, real estate attorneys, and property management are essential.Good luck with your house hacking journey and feel free to ask for further assistance.

The on-island local contact doesn’t have to be a licensed real estate professional, unless he/she is also involved in real estate activities, like renting or offering to rent the property.And I've had at least one client do cost seg - if you'd like a couple referrals, you're welcome to contact me directly. 

Virginia requires a professional license, not necessarily an attorney- a title insurance company, RE Broker, or financial institution might help you.As to your in progress HELOC you have another problem- if the lender does any physical or interior inspection they won't lend to you.

renovation including a roof replacement Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

If I become a part-time real estate agent and have no other W-2 job, would I be able to qualify for real estate professional status?

@Cory WaldronStarting real estate investing requires finding a mentor, networking with professionals, building a team, and educating yourself through books, podcasts, and online courses.

I am a healthcare professional, and has been for over 20 years.

The idea of using real estate professional status and then protecting those assets in an LLC which is owned by some other more fancy asset protection structure is nothing new.

I am not yet a real estate professional/investor but that is my goal in the next year.

If for example the seller owe's $300k and the buyer has $300k to put down, the sellers lien would need to be paid off and closing costs and RE professionals paid before the seller could move into the first lien position as lender. - Seller is a business person.