My goal is to gain a solid understanding of the process, master deal analysis, and ultimately close my first deal.Right now, I’m focused on learning the basics — from finding motivated sellers to building a strong network of cash buyers.

If not, should I sell stock that I have that has capital gains that would be due on it and offset that?

If your goal is cash flow, then your best bet may be to live in it for 2 years, and then take that tax free gain (250k single person, 500k married) and buy elsewhere. 

Probably not, but I'd see what my CPA and attorneys have to say.Be a pain having tenants pay you twice too.Also, passive income is already treated pretty favorably after deductions such as depreciation.

I now have great passive income.

but if you have a view on active vs. passive income.my goal is to have income from multiple sources, ideally part time work that i enjoy is a component. 

But when it's equity gains, no tax, only at time of sale and if you 1031 Uncle Sam let's you continue to use that tax-$ for investing purposes.

@Fulati PaerhatiA 1031 exchange is a powerful strategy to defer capital gains taxes and grow your rental portfolio.

No one will ever take care of your property like you will, but Avantstay is the closest thing I've ever had to the fairy tale of passive investing in real estate. 

My personal experience after 40 + years in the real estate industry is that “wholesaling” is a very INEFFICIENT AND INEFFECTIVE way to gain knowledge and experience relative to real estate.