I'm using Minoan to furnish a luxury STR and it's been incredible, and I am actively trying to find a way to better leverage their service. 

Building a sport court will run like $30 grand, but would increase your rental value. a 6bedroom 4 bath house with a sport court, hot tub, fire pit, mini golf, arcade etc. will most likely crush it because it's cool.

Note that active income isn't the same thing as non-passive income, it's lower bar that just requires that it's a business activity that isn't just entirely passive. 

Pairing that with relationship-building will help you uncover off-market opportunities and find local experts who can guide you.For meetups, here are a few ideas:Indianapolis Real Estate Investors Association (Indy REIA): They have a mix of virtual and in-person events and are a good starting point for networking with other investors in the Indy market.Louisville Real Estate Investors Group (REIG): A similar organization for the Louisville market, with educational and networking opportunities.Check out BiggerPockets Meetups: Many cities have local meetups organized by investors active on BiggerPockets, and they often include virtual options.Facebook Groups: Look for local investing groups like "Indianapolis Real Estate Investors" or "Louisville REI."

I personally  have a couple of 10.5 interest loans on properties that I am not paying off early, because I am earning so much more by being an active investor and I getting a lot better that 10.5% . 

Playing sports isn't forever and I know a 9-5 isn't for me, I am very much desiring to get ahead and learn how to build wealth from all those smarter than me! 

Once you think there is no law pertaining to the activity then the work begins this is a belly to belly business your not going to do this on E mail and text messaging .. you will need to be able to sit down with these folks or it will never happen.

In your scenario, claiming that $117k depreciation deduction could lower your taxable income from $700k to $583k, which is a huge benefit in the short term.As for the RE pro status, if one of you becomes a full-time real estate professional, you can potentially offset active income (like W2) with passive losses from real estate. 

That way you know they are active in the BP community!

Padsplit may also be an option if you want to be a little less active in managing.