If you want to build out a portfolio of multi-family rentals that cash flow to the point of not having a W2, that's one thing. 

Quote from @Sabian Ripplinger: i want to possibly use hard money this year to grow quicker   and can you use them for new builds  who should i use and  any tips?   

Since you're open to markets beyond NYC, you might want to connect with local investor meetups or REI groups in those areas to build relationships with agents, wholesalers, and lenders who understand the nuances of each market.If you're looking to break out of analysis paralysis, maybe start by narrowing down one or two target markets and running numbers on actual deals.

Are you still considering building more of a portfolio or are you happy with where you're at and you just wanna pay off the debt?

I’d recommend continuing to build equity in your home for the next year or two.

Let's break it down with precision:The "Pain" (At First Glance):Your $2.8M sale splits out as:Building (§1250): $2.3MPersonal Property (§1245): $500KOriginal Basis Allocation:Building: $1.6M (depreciated over 27.5 years)Personal Property: $400K (fully depreciated)Building Depreciation:Annual: $1.6M ÷ 27.5 = $58,182Total over 10 years: $581,820Gain Breakdown:Building (§1250):Sale Price: $2,300,000Original Basis: $1,600,000Less Depreciation: ($581,820)Adjusted Basis: $1,018,180Total Gain: $1,281,820Unrecaptured §1250: $581,820 (25% max rate)Capital Gain: $700,000 (20% max rate)Personal Property (§1245):Sale Price: $500,000Adjusted Basis: $0Ordinary Income: $500,000The Strategic Play:Remember those suspended passive losses you couldn't use?

No, your nobody special and do not garner any "relationship building" or any of that jazz UNTIL or unless you make yourself special to them to garner a volume relationship. 

And because it’s a logistics hub (FedEx HQ, major distribution centers, and growing industries), rental demand stays strong.I’ve been in Memphis my whole life and have spent over two decades helping investors navigate this market and build profitable rental portfolios here.

He's an agent with RE/MAX, one of the largest franchises with a great training program and a lot of tools for their agents to use and build a successful business.

First build a team, then build a empire.