Quote from @Simon Walker: Quote from @Andrew Syrios: Could you "split the difference" so to speak and go back to work for yourself but limit the number of clients you take on so you only need to work 20 or so hours a week?

If they work independently, set their schedule, and use their resources, they might qualify as a 1099 contractor, but misclassification risks IRS penalties.Wages for W-2 employees and payments to 1099 contractors are both deductible business expenses, but compliance is key.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

I'd be looking at multiple structures. we try to build below the average new build cost in our market in Columbus Ohio which is 515,000 last year and we target land 40-50k and urban core adjacent where we get higher price per square foot. we build for clients with margin around $190 a sq ft depending on multi or single. we can get that down in our triplex it's a little higher on our single family homes because of garages and limited economies of scale. hope that helps. idk Philly but if you show me the area and styles of homes I can give you some more insights. 

However, Opportunity Zone investments require careful structuring to ensure compliance.Evaluate your priorities: If starting a business is the main goal, proceeds from your primary residence (with the capital gains exclusion) might provide the simplest funding option.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

But I have a client with the same type of building and has a non-conforming basement that he uses as an Airbnb and hasn't had any issues with it. 

A client of mine in Maryland added smart home features to their rentals and boosted rents by 12% with minimal investment.

Is it realistic to ask for and expect to get at least 2 landlord references and 2 tenant references (current clients) if I am a " small time" landlord with one property, not multiple units?

Your brokerage is required to supervise you, and maintain all records of the transaction, just like any other client. 

I knew that was not true because I had paid $780 a couple months before on a property in the same area and also my realtor told me that her clients had been paying that lower rate.

Achieving a 15% yearly ROI in Tulum’s real estate market is exceptionally rare.When clients approach me wanting to invest in Tulum solely for high returns, I advise them to reconsider—unless they’re comfortable with a more realistic 5% return.