If you need current income, I'd recommend another fix/flip.

Which is very complex and costly and likely warrants professional help.Now, if it's just you and your spouse, then your 2024 tax preparation is likely relatively straightforward:- you will create a Schedule C on your personal tax return- you will NOT report any costs of purchasing the property or its rehab, not in 2024- you will report your business overhead expenses such as marketing, driving, technology etc- you will end up with a business schedule showing zero income and some expenses - not breaking the rules but potentially raising an audit flagCan you do it yourself?

New agents may struggle with periods of no income while waiting for deals to close.Solution: Budget wisely, build a financial cushion, and prepare for slow months.

Financing OptionsParent Loan Options: Consider home equity loans, investment property mortgages, or co-signing a loan.Tax Implications: Speak with a financial advisor about potential deductions and capital gains.Rental Income Potential: Explore the option of renting out extra rooms to offset costs.5.

Depending on the loan amount for the new property, roughly a little over half of the gain could be deferred through the exchange.Without a 1031, they’ll face taxes on the entire gain, including federal capital gains tax (likely 15% based on their income), California state tax, and depreciation recapture, potentially totaling $130-150K.

He calls and tells me "the income to mortgage isn't 1:1 and he is going to have to let the lender know."

If one project slows down, others can keep moving.Stagger Projects: Start planning your next project while finishing the current one to keep your pipeline full.DSCR Loans: These loans focus on the property’s income, not your personal income, which can help you finance more properties.StrategyFlip and Hold: Flipping one property while prepping another for rental keeps cash flowing and builds your portfolio.BRRRR Timing: Since BRRRR is slower now, using DSCR loans to get multiple properties might be a good hedge.Good luck with your flip and future investments! 

Over the last year, I've developed a passion for real estate and want to be able to use it to generate income and secure financial freedom in the long run.

I would like to build a duplex on it for long term rental income.

If I can park the 388k ($415-27k) for one year at CD rate of 4.5% and then est 300k (after paying cap gain/depr recap) at 3.0% (assume CD rates lower) that interest income of about 24 months net of ordinary income tax is about the same as my current mortgage.Trying to play devil's advocate and think why selling this year does not make sense.