They can offer a more hands-off approach while you get your feet wet.

On one hand, there're a number of legitimate tax deductions, credits, and loopholes that are not well-known.

Second: decide how "hands on" you will be.- are you able to diy?

Indeed, the FAIR ordinance is anything but fair to non-corporate landlords, seemingly punished for investing in rental houses to generate income as an alternative to stocks and bonds.A handful of opportunists likely could learn to exploit these new rules, preying on otherwise law-abiding landlords to obtain legalized shake-down payments.

Sure maybe more detail to the insurance policy, but you came out a winner with the hand you were dealt.Total freak accident.

REITs like Realty Income can definitely be a great hands-off option for steady income without the headaches of property management.That said, owning physical real estate has unique benefits like leverage, tax advantages, and control over your asset.

On the other hand, if you ever had a spouse or ex-spouse who was hiding assets in LLCs you might understand the need for more transparency in these transactions.

At a certain point it becomes a lot of work but you can outsource a lot of the work by hiring VAs which is way cheaper than a management co (definitely not as hands off though) 

Please verify with zoning and ask them for a verification letter so you can have approval on hand.

Here are my thoughts/questions:-When you say "builder" please give some more background...is this someone who builds a handful of spec homes a year in the area?