A good CPA will identify legal deductions you can take to minimize your tax obligation.

As in any business, there are a lot of tire-kickers which minimizes the amount of time I may spend beyond a quick intro call.Good luck,Steve

You can also focus on dividend growth stocks within your taxable account, as dividends can be taxed at lower rates, especially if you hold long-term.By balancing real estate with traditional investment strategies like bonds, stocks, and tax-efficient accounts, you’ll have a diversified approach that generates tax-advantaged income while minimizing risk.Let me know if you need help strategizing further or exploring real estate financing options!

It's about alternatives and minimal monetary investment required to make things work.

Using cash-out refinancing, you can grow your portfolio with minimal additional cash from savings.Lasts throughout Your LifetimeYour rental income depends on your tenants maintaining similar wages throughout your lifetime.

It shows individual gains and ROI over a 30-year period, which helps identify which factors provide the highest returns and make informed investment decisions.In your case, even if you're not cash-flowing in the first year, since the negative cash flow is minimal, I’d still go for it.

I know this is not going to be immediate...I will be making mistakes, I just want to minimize the damage of those mistakes!

@Teahjsia FrazierTo build a portfolio and replace monthly income, consider strategies like leveraging your current home with a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), using FHA loans for low down payment, renting out your current home, using creative financing options like seller financing, private money lenders, or partnerships, building cash flow with smaller deals first, using the BRRRR strategy (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat), minimizing expenses and maximizing savings, and continuously educating yourself through books, podcasts, and networking groups.

By way of example, I picked up an oceanfront condo in March for $640K, minimal work needed to be done, only changes for my aesthetic/brand purposes and here they come turn key so only updated what I really needed to (which also gives you an opportunity to cost segregate).  

If things are tight or you don't have expendable income to invest I would go turn key. 2-4 unit properties would be great, the goal is to minimize your monthly housing expenses to save so if you are occupying a unit you will probably not cashflow