If you’re really going to just live in it long-term, I’m not really sure about the benefit up front.

Other asset classes aren't so the depreciation schedule may not be as quick/beneficial.2) And it is even possible to find deals that are what I call "super-shielders" and which not only shield all the distributions in the investment but have extra to use over on other real estate investments that are throwing off income. 3) Unless you're doing a 1031 exchange  at the end or similar tax structure to defer taxes, you will have to *pay back* all that depreciation benefit at the end (on sale...which for you is in 5 years)  via depreciation recapture.

I have bought and sold several properties across Chicago and Barrington area over the past seven years, and was a real estate agent for 2 years in my early twenties.

Backstory: As some of you know based on previous post of mine I've found my first "possible" real estate deal. 

I don't think I can reap the same benefits from notes that I can from owning property.

Single-family homes benefit from a larger buyer pool, appealing to families and owner-occupants, which makes them easier to sell.

I'm just starting my journey into real estate investing and truly appreciate your advice and knowledge.

Have you started going to in-person real estate investing meetups yet? 

They are usurping your property for the benefit of the public.

The benefit of paying the following year is the interest income accrued.