Each of these asset classes requires a deep understanding of market conditions, legal nuances, and financial structuring to avoid costly mistakes.For example, tax liens can seem like easy wins but come with complications such as redemption periods and legal challenges.

How do you continue  guaranteeing a rate of return or redemptions when the asset class is real estate which is not liquid?

my RE income from my rentals is semi-passive of course... so less active than W2 but more active than dividends or social security.I just dont really see owning rentals as passive to me its active if your going to stay right on top of them and have them perform like you want them to ( this is specfic to owning C class low B class sFRs  Not those who might own 100 unit apartments with professional management those are passive as long as they are working good. . 

Invest with syndicators who have a narrow niche and proven track record.For example, if an operator has done 5 or 6 workforce housing value add deals in Dallas, and they are offering a similar deal now, that would be encouraging.if however, their current deal was a brand new luxury Class A building in Charlotte and this was their first acquisition in Charlotte and their first class A deal, as an LP I would pass.Find operators who do one thing and kill it in that space.Find operators who own or have gone full cycle with similar assets in the same market.For example, my firm, Spark Investment Group has a very narrow niche - sub 100 unit MF or BTR in Greenville SC.

The asset class will be dependant on how much capital you have availabile and how much renovations you plan to perform. 2) Is there an income gap between going after 2 units as opposed to 4?

Still has lots of belongings (including a boat) in a large shed on the property... could imply intention to move back, or a desire to not have to deal with it and possible interest in having help getting rid of all this stuff3.

But, they are very popular gurus and are making a lot of money teaching their "classes" and groups.

- Looking in Class A areas expecting to cashflow?

I agree with you@Jay Hinrichs that short term view is a quick way to sink a boat.

I've talked to lots of California and a few NYC investors that have lost money (including myself) who bought inexpensive properties in the Midwest mostly and a few in the South (Class C is volatile). - some strategies I've seen California investors use to lessen negative cash flow: house hacking, mid-term rentals (people temporarily displaced from home renovation or insurance reasons like fire), rent by the room, Short Term Rentals. - The ultimate house hack, live in the small ADU unit and rent out the two levels of the main house on AirBnb in San Francisco (I would have thought STRs are oversaturated in S.F. but it worked for them and they stay fully booked).