Besides directly contacting the employer, this is now the only way I feel comfortable verifying income—especially since pay stubs and bank statements are frequently being altered these days.

@Tove Fox - Residential Real Estate InvestingPros:Lower Entry Costs: Easier to get started with less capital required.High Demand: People always need homes, making demand relatively stable.Easier Financing: Mortgages are generally easier to secure with favorable terms.Simplicity: Easier to understand and manage, especially for beginners.Flexibility: You can use it as a personal residence or rent it out.Cons:Tenant Turnover: More frequent turnover leads to vacancy and more management.Lower Cash Flow: Income potential can be modest compared to commercial properties.Emotional Buyers: Residential prices can be influenced by emotions, leading to price volatility.Maintenance Burden: Landlords often deal with repairs and maintenance, which can be time-consuming.Commercial Real Estate InvestingPros:Higher Income Potential: Stronger cash flow and higher returns are common.Long-Term Leases: Tenants often sign longer leases (3-10 years), reducing vacancy risk.Professional Tenants: Business tenants tend to take better care of the property.Valuation Based on Income: Prices are based on the income the property generates, not market emotions.Shared Costs: Tenants often cover property expenses like taxes, insurance, and maintenance (via triple-net leases).Cons:High Entry Costs: Requires more capital or partnerships to get started.Complex Management: More expertise is needed; you may need a professional property manager.Economic Sensitivity: Commercial properties are more sensitive to economic conditions.Challenging Financing: Securing financing can be harder, with stricter terms and higher interest rates.Zoning and Legalities: More complex regulations compared to residential properties.Key Differences:Risk: Residential tends to be lower risk, while commercial offers higher rewards but with greater risk.Management: Residential is easier for DIY investors, while commercial properties usually require a team.Scalability: Commercial properties are easier to scale, offering more potential for significant cash flow increases.

Both cater to businesses with high transaction volumes and often customize services for clients who need frequent wires and robust credit options.Ultimately, your choice might depend on the frequency of foreign wires versus domestic ones and how much value you place on credit card perks.

Maintenance can also be a factor—while newer homes may require minimal upkeep, older units might need more frequent repairs, particularly for things like plumbing or HVAC systems.Some things to pay close attention to:Zoning and Permits: Check local zoning laws and permit requirements to ensure you’re allowed to place a mobile home on your land and rent it out.

Conversely, if new houses are being built frequently, older properties may struggle to maintain their value.Property taxes also play a significant role.

Quote from @Sean O'Keefe: Quote from @Tom Gorrell: We have 3 rentals in CA and one in Kentucky (total value about 2.5 M)some W2 incomesome pension incomesome syndication income and some from a business (s corp) Based on what you say, it feels like $3k - $4k but would need more info on how frequently you meet with CPA outside of Jan - Apr when you are filing and if this includes tax strategy. 

I thought it might be helpful to address some of the most frequently asked questions that I receive.

I do see listings come on frequently and think there’s a steady inventory.

However, financial freedom isn’t a one-time event; it’s about sustaining your desired lifestyle for the rest of your life.Once you have your goals, the next decision is where to invest.Investment Market/CityThe investment city determines all long-term income characteristics, including whether rents rise fast enough to outpace inflation and how long your income will last.Understanding inflation: It takes more dollars to buy the same goods every time you go to the store.

There are also deals that can be find on jud.ct.gov for foreclosure auctions but those rarely work out because the people usually owe more than the property is worth or they get cancelled and postponed frequently.