While you don’t have to wait to file your taxes before funding your SEP IRA, making the contribution before ensures you accurately reflect it in your return and maximize your tax savings upfront. 

if you have no money to put down then you're not ready.here's what i would do instead:-save up enough until you have enough money to do a live-in flip-do a live-in fliphope that helps

He is interested in REI, has good basic knowledge on REI and has more than enough saved up for down but hesitate because of current market, interest rate, rental demand, capex, first investment jitters, draw of stock market, etc, etc. 

In the next 5-10 years, I plan to leave my current industry and transition to real estate full-time, so I’m especially interested in how this could impact that goal.Current FinancialsRoth 401(k) Balance: $105KContributions: $79KEarnings: $23.5KSalary: $109KContributing 6% annually ($545/month), with a 100% match for the first 3%Investment Growth Assumption: 8% per yearCurrent Rental Cash Flow (Pure Profit After All Expenses): $7,500/month (9 units)Potential New Property Cash Flow (Pure Profit After All Expenses): $1,300/monthCurrent Real Estate Portfolio Value: $1.4MAfter New Property: $1.7MWithdrawal Breakdown ($60K)Tax-Free Contributions: $45KTaxed Earnings: $13.4KWhy Only $13.4K Is Taxed and PenalizedMy Roth 401(k) balance is made up of:Total Balance: $105KContributions: $79K (75.24% of total)Earnings: $23.5K (22.38% of total)When withdrawing, the money comes out proportionally from contributions and earnings.

Plans for what you're building will be key - it's too vague and open right now for someone to advise you on potential cost. 

I’m at the very beginning of my REI journey and I would love some guidance on how I can best optimize my planning, research and saving phase (which I’m dedicating 2025 to).

It's not worth it if the local ordinances don't support your plan. 

I plan to use two of the bedrooms for Airbnb short-term rentals.

I plan to buy a new property in May by putting 5% down and renting out my current home.

A good real estate accountant can save you thousands of dollars by leveraging entity selection and formation, tax deductions, cost segregations, bonus depreciation and tax planning.I recommend finding an accountant specializing in real estate taxation, business taxation, financial planning and tax planning.Consider working with your accountant remotely to expand your options.I would also recommend looking for an accountant willing to work with you throughout the year.