It is considered earned income (not capital gain) and is also subject to self-employment taxes.To reference Jay again, intent does go a long way but that's a deeper discussion.

One can of course track prices at the US or State levels, but those are of value only to get a sense on macro-economic conditions, the story they tell may not correlate to where we all as investors invest; one has to look deeper than that.Zillow, for example, is a good source of estimates. 

We will delve into the most common types of HOA fines and charges, shedding light on why they are implemented.

@Steven Dreyer - using the 50% rule is good for initial analysis, but you need to do a deeper evaluation in order to really determine if this is a good deal or not.For example, a triplex can go either way for utilities - what is the tenant responsible for, and what does the landlord pay?

Maybe a deeper blue?

Seasoned investors have a working knowledge that enables them to make repair/upgrade estimates as they analyze a deal on the things that are apparent (roof, landscaping, painting, kitchen or bath remodel) and will get the property under contract and then look deeper.  

The answer is most likely 1) an increased tax on those above a certain income level (I won't say "the rich" because we all know it will also hit middle class) 2) increased taxes on business and other entities, and 3) by the country going deeper into debt.

this thing just keeps getting deeper!

You typically get the most benefits from an engineered cost seg study as it takes an even deeper dive into your property.

I love the energy in your post and encourage you to do everything you can to keep that up as you venture deeper into this world.