You need a tax expert that owns rental properties themselves and understands how you can optimize what you are trying to do.

optimism is a necessity, but for most folks, the reality of bills, loan payments, groceries, kids, families, make being a full time investor something that usually takes a while to build.

Trying to figure out the optimal strategy that will provide liability protection, proper estate transfer at death, and other strategies that can benefit their tax situation.I have my ideas, but want to consult with someone who has estate and tax planning experience in CA.

Risk/Return analysis framework helps you determine the optimal balance of Risk vs Return across various investment opportunities.

I was curious if anyone has had luck with any of these systems and if so any tricks to optimize the quality of leads that come through. 

Beyond that, you'll want a reliable contractor for the rehab, a property manager to handle the rentals, and a savvy CPA to optimize your tax strategy.

It's a huge transition and I've helped a lot of agents with their own businesses over the past 2 years, understanding strategy, optimizing the systems provided and ensuring you understand how to seek out the right kind of support based on your own working style.If you'd like to have a chat I'd love to schedule a time and give you some unbiased info based on my experiences and the feedback from many other agents trying to build out their businesses.

If you're thinking 1-3 steps ahead to optimize cash flow, then sure stick to CDs and govt debt.I'd opt for a very quality location, then private/public debt, and then HYSA, and last and definitely least low value areas with high intrinsic properties like Detroit, Cleveland, etc. if I'm "investing" in those last areas, I'd rather opt for HYSA/Debt before buying those. 

My active work in the real estate is now focused around coaching others, investing in other peoples deals, doing a little private lending, and optimizing my remaining STR

They can optimize tax strategies across states and assist with allocating deductions, handling multiple-state filings, structuring future ownership, and advising on capital gains or 1031 exchanges.