You must work at least 750 hours per year in a qualified RE business.So most people who have high-earning W-2 jobs outside of real estate won't qualify.But the unique thing about RE pro status is that even if you don’t qualify but your spouse does, you can both file jointly and claim the losses from your RE investments to offset your other active income together.It's an incredibly powerful benefit if you do meet the criteria.

Why not go from active to passive and get more in net rents?

I don't know how many BP members in active status down here near Northfield or further south but I would be interested in meeting them as well.

Some banks are actively looking for the non-conforming loans. 

I would also pay by activity not by the hour.  

He is a wealth of knowledge on the area and is actively investing locally as well.

That will probably be your best bet, to buy a fixer and get it cleaned up and then rent it out.Best wishes and good luck with your endeavors.  

There are a handful of active agents here on BP in the Portland area (including my business partner and I) who would be good places to start.

Cash for keys is definitely the best way to get people out in the day when I was very active at court houses steps cash for keys was by far the best way to get folks to move and bad tenants in a state with bad eviction laws to me would be the preferred method. you simply pay them when they are leaving the house not before.. that works fine and you give them more than 1k .. you make it worth their while..

Many opt for other investing methods in their SDIRA like private lending, crypto, private equity...anything except collectibles and life insurance.Note that a Solo 401k is exempt from UBIT on leveraged real estate so if you have self employment activity and no full time employees save for you and your spouse you should consider the Solo K as an option.