STRs require more hands-on management, but it’s a viable option for reducing your taxable income without needing REPS.You might also consider a cost segregation study to accelerate depreciation on the rental, creating larger upfront paper losses.

This year is the first year I will qualify as a real estate professional and be able to take some aggressive deductions through things like cost segregation studies.

Study landlord basics, especially on what to include in your lease (going forward you will ALWAYS have a written lease).(2.5 Learn from mistakes and don't repeat them.)

Based on the value of a property you can likely get away with a inexpensive desk top study such as condos and you will require a more comprehensive engineering study for larger properties like a 4plex.Desktop / modeling options are sometimes good for smaller residential like you mention. 

When considering a Cost Segregation study, here are a few things to consider:https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/51/topics/1206189-cost-...Feel free to reach out with questions!

Study disqualified parties and prohibited transactions.  

If you haven't done so, you may want to get an estimate for a cost segregation study on these units.

@Brad Herb - one thing to watch when investing in a syndication with an SDIRA is the highly trumpeted ROI in early years via a cost segregation study and the accelerated depreciation it creates...which you'll not be able to take advantage of via a SDIRA.

Study the market.

Purchase Another Investment Property and Utilize a Cost Segregation Study:When you reinvest in a new investment property, you can perform a cost segregation study to accelerate depreciation.