@Brooke Carlton I found a potential solution to this problem!

Have you started thinking about your strategy or exploring potential markets?

I'm also concerned older homes have already seen their biggest jump in capital appreciation and don't have as much potential for price growth compared to newer homes.What are your thoughts on older homes?

I'm new to real estate investing, but have thrown myself into learning as much as I can by joining a Veteran based investment community, have been working with my realtor and looking daily for potential multi family properties in the Dallas area for house hacking, which I've set myself an deadline to be completed by May.

I fell off the wagon when I saw a bullet point that indicated all second story apartments have an elevator and their suggestion that it was possible to get 1000% Plus Potential Cash-on-Cash return in the 1st Year.Where has SCDC built?

Which is very complex and costly and likely warrants professional help.Now, if it's just you and your spouse, then your 2024 tax preparation is likely relatively straightforward:- you will create a Schedule C on your personal tax return- you will NOT report any costs of purchasing the property or its rehab, not in 2024- you will report your business overhead expenses such as marketing, driving, technology etc- you will end up with a business schedule showing zero income and some expenses - not breaking the rules but potentially raising an audit flagCan you do it yourself?

Who will show it to potential renters?

Keep track of 3 buckets.1) Owner occupied portion - potential deductions for schedule A2) Tenant occupied portion - potential deductions for schedule E3) Jointly occupied portion - likely prorated for both schedules.There are nuances to this, so I recommend looking for a tax pro who can coach you on this. 

This just seems like it puts me in a potential bad situation if something goes wrong during the process.  

@Hector Lewis - The decision ultimately depends on your current cash reserves relative to your financial needs, as well as your willingness to reinvest for potential appreciation.