Keep in mind, if you over estimate education expenses and have left over money in the plan, you will be pulling it out at a likely higher ordinary tax rate (because in 17 years you will be rich) and you'll be paying a penalty tax on it.You'll likely see higher returns with real estate, but it's also tougher to manage than a 529.

In general, you cannot use a passive loss to offset ordinary income. 

Pick a turnkey company in the Midwest where everything is ordinary and the cash flow return and appreciation is more consistent.

Brit Foesheeeeee!!!

Brit - I think that's the best course. 

When selling business assets, the federal tax rate on gains can vary from 20% - raised from 15% (long-term capital gain) to 35% (ordinary income rates), and there is an additional 3.8% Medicare tax applicable to certain passive investors.

Wholesaling results in ordinary income, taxed as such.  

You can call me anything you want-- just so long as it doesn't contain ordinary.

In NZ is Good and Service Tax (GST) at 15%. in the US you can take in account the tax you will need to pay as ordinary income?

If it's a flip an that was your intent it's going to be ordinary income to you, and taxed at your individual tax rate