Your scenario is unique in that you are a 1st time flipper and you live/want to do this flip in NC.

This included some landmark deals including Rockefeller Center’s $3.5B loan and Miami Beach’s Fontainebleau $1.2B refinancingAlternative lenders filling traditional banking gaps with short-term solutions which has already begun a cycle of consolidation that will likely continue and accelerate in 2025The Office Sector Divide:CBD property values are down 50.7% from 2021 peaksClass A office properties seem to be in their own vacuum of prosperity with trophy properties commanding premium rents ($100+ PSF nationally, up to $247 in top markets) with strong occupancyHybrid work continues impacting older building valuations which have not faired as well, but this may begin to rebalance as more companies are instituting mandates to return to physical officesChallenges & Opportunities:$1 trillion in loans maturing by 2026Interest rates up from 3.5% (2021) to 6.74% (2024)Experts such as AEW’s Michael Acton and Blackstone’s Nadeem Meghji see the best entry point in the last 15–20 years and we agreeMarket Outlook:Current market conditions present unique opportunities, with inflation-adjusted prices at historic lows and yields at decade highs.

What you seem to be missing is your main need is an accounting system.  

You're going to have to go learn about that yourself.The faster you get rid of this bozo the better off the whole system will be.

While he’s definitely a self-made guru, he comes across as someone who genuinely wants to do the right thing when you speak with him.I understand many of you have had frustrating experiences and feel let down by the system, and I’m truly sorry to hear that.

A CPA experienced in STRs should be able to break down exactly how to meet material participation requirements in your unique situation.

Becoming a property owner.The hardest part about this right now is underwriting deals, remaining patient and disciplined.Outside of that, the actual details of managing the property are only hard if you do not have systems in place, delegate responsibility, and don't fully comprehend what physical asset investments require-- capex & opex heavy.

The systems you have in place to handle leads, follow-up and your sales processes are also huge factors.Another factor is what is your monthly marketing budget?

It doesn't happen much and probably won't be a process lenders go through in a systemic search until we hit closer to double digit rates on those 2 and 3% loans. 

All the data, asset holdings, transactions will be ported over to the new recordkeeping system, along with the current plan document being moved and updated as needed. 2) If you currently hold real estate or other asset, you may need to look at retitling, if you elect to move to a custodian.