Soft assets like specific stocks and preservation phys assets this may not apply to, but you keep those at low % in your portfolio and actively "trade" those. 

I’m not at a place where I can altruistically give my time without trading it for income.

I also looked into International REITS, funds that are traded on the stock market.

If you are not in the trade or business of lending, the interest will be considered portfolio income.If you are in the trade or business of lending, the interest will be considered ordinary income.

I am already seeing positive signs including far better dialogue between the building trades and local government.

Plumbers, electricians and other trades can easily charge well over $180/hr).

@Ben Stanley I stayed up late after dinner & spent weekends on my computer, scouting neighborhoods and attend RE investing events.

But of course, you need to be very careful about the risk of starting a trade war.  

Simply owning some investment real estate does not make one a real estate professional anymore than owning some stock's makes one a Stock Trader....To qualify for real estate professional status (REPS), you must meet the following requirements:50% test: More than half of your personal services must be in real property trades or businesses.750-hour test: You must perform at least 750 hours of services in real property trades or businesses.

It is a whole new profession/trade and it should be taken as such...