I believe that mentorship and collaboration are key to success in this industry, and I'm here to learn from all of you and contribute where I can.If you're in the Charlotte area or have insights to share, I’d love to hear from you!

For example we pay our own income taxes, broker splits and all of our other expenses directly out of what we make including required E&O insurance, MLS dues, licensing fees, Board of Realtor dues, continuing education costs, marketing, advertising, office fees/rent, transaction coordinator/ assistant fees, health insurance, car insurance and maintenance, gas, tires, software, retirement fund, etc.We are not W2 employees with payroll taxes already taken out of our paychecks, company-paid health insurance and matching retirement account plus a guarantee of at least 40 hours paid work per week, sick pay, paid vacation… none of that.So if you’re thinking you’ll be able to pay an hourly wage typical of a W2 hourly employee like $50-85/hr… that’s definitely not going to work.

A prudent investor doesn't seek quick riches through shortcuts.

@Chris Mahoo Even without qualifying for Real Estate Professional Status (REPS), long-term rentals offer key benefits like depreciation deductions over 27.5 years, deductible expenses (e.g., mortgage interest, repairs), and up to $25,000 in passive loss deductions if your MAGI is under $150K.

Quote from @Tod DuBois: Another Furnished Finder POT cancelled on me after I went out of my way and paid to review them on Key Check and signed up for Key Check contracts, made two contracts, allowed a pet and still, two days before the check-in, they did not sign.

Focus on key areas first (like floors, walls, kitchen, or bathroom), which may help you handle the costs more gradually, even if it means moving in furniture or updating fixtures down the line.Also, since the tenant left it in rough shape, be sure to document all the damage (photos, receipts) in case you decide to pursue reimbursement through their security deposit or in court.

Another key change is making sure your contractor actually sticks to completion deadlines...why, because of how extremely tedious permit inspectors are getting in some cities, which can slow progress in and of itself.

The key is staying flexible—house hacking isn’t dead, but it might look different than you originally planned.Good luck!

Don't just find out how it's all licensed and check on any historical issues with it, no you want to meet with local board members, find out how they really feel about the place and what the cities wants and plans are for the place.

Have you considered Turn-key?