In 2023 my wife and I took out a HELOC on one of the properties to use as a downpayment on our current residence.

Sounds like lower non qualified / qualified ratio is the way to reduce CGs and depreciation recap.Furthermore, 1 property is owned by my elderly mother and can future reduce CGs via step-up at passing (assuming current step-up tax law)Property 1 (CA Condo $800k FMV, $450k basis, 10 year owned as 2nd home, wife+I are owner)Rent 2 year in CA (24mo rule), 1031 to WA, rent 1 year before converting to primary residence for 5 year before sale.Is qualified use years 10 (2nd residence) + 5?

My wife and I have self managed short, mid, and long term rentals.

. - PRO TIP: many builders lose their license then create new company in name of wife or other relative/friend.2) Check Better Business Bureau, but don't assume all the complaints are legit. - If there area MANY, then that is a problem.

We are real estate rookies based in the beautiful Seacoast area of New Hampshire.

As a fellow real estate investor (with my wife on board too), I’m pumped to see you and your wife diving into the Detroit market—heard there’s a lot of opportunity there for rentals!

It's turned into a money pit, but at the same time it's on a beautiful .90 acres with a view of the mountains and a pool that I had remodeled.

@Katharine G. my wife and I did end up purchasing a house in the area. 

Hi all - my wife and I have been real estate investors for several years and over that time have developed significant equity across many properties. 

Lord knows there are a lot of fancy, online GP's now with beautiful websites, YouTube channels, and 10 people in their investor relations department but only 1 inexperienced guy in their acquisitions who couldn't underwrite a lemonade stand.good luck :)