I plan to buy a duplex soon to begin my real estate journey.

We would plan to “live and flip” (live in it for 2 years to avoid capital gains) while we rent our current home. 

Originally I had planned to get the required permits from the city, but I had a contractor that I work with recommend to not go through the time, money, and headache of the permitting process since it's my primary residence and I can most likely "get away" with it.

My husband and I are the employers and we have employees in our plan with their own accounts.

Now the last tree I had removed was 5 years ago and the arborist took it to a friends house that has a mill where he was planning on milling the tree into oak flooring for a house he was building.My question is should I bother trying to get some value out of this tree one way or another?

Decide on your readiness financially and risk tolerance before developing an investment plan that is comprehensive but is able to grow into a long term wealth purpose.Good luck!

Then decide on your plan of action.....

You just need to make sure when something goes sideways cause it will that you have your reserves and a plan. 

> If you self-manage, has that been more difficult than you originally planned?

Do a Reverse ExchangePlan ahead - Plan to win!