I enjoy college football, video games, and lifting weights. 

Real estate investing can be an effective way to build long-term wealth, and among the various strategies, one has gained significant popularity over the years: BRRRR.

For short-term gains, options like private lending, where your IRA acts as the lender, can provide consistent returns through interest payments.

As you get to this point your gaining more confidence in the options because you know option A and B had a certain outcome that wasn't option C, and this would give you more confidence you're doing the right thing for you.From there, I would be identifying properties to acquire if you don't already have some in mind and then my next sheet is creating the plan.

I haven't lived in it long enough to be exempt from capital gains, good point on that.

However, this allowed me to gain initial experience and confidence without being overwhelmed by managing multiple platforms simultaneously.

Did the proceeds from the sale count as short term or long term capital gains?

Why on gods green earth if you can save on commission, gain experience, meet investors and manage your own properties would you want to invest in a market outside of where you are?

I think I would try to get past the one-year mark for capital gains then sell it.

Starting with an owner-occupied duplex is a smart way to build equity and gain experience.