Hey @Scott Trench unfortunately real estate losses (active or passive) will not offset portfolio income from stock sale gains. 

My wife and I are eager to build multiple streams of income, and we believe real estate investing, particularly in multi-family homes, is a great way to achieve that goal.

I do intend to stay close to home - but home provides only annual opportunities and I’m looking for year round possibilities with tax deed properties. 

Then figure  tax on your income. 

Checking: collect all income here, then use it to pay bills.

May give you enough income to lower your DTI.

It can still qualify if it's a fixer-upper, as long as the rental income from the property can cover the debt service.

“Wholesaling is passive income!”

Further context, I have zero debt, high 700s credit score, one other investment property here locally. 175k in cash available, looking to do DSCR loans or cash and then refinance.Peoria, Illinois- Great need for lower income housing, market appears to have many options.Lawton, Oklahoma- Looking only at extremely cheap properties, as it seems it’s not terribly hard to find renters.

Most lenders require a leased property to qualify for a cash-out refinance, especially with a DSCR loan, which is based on rental income.