Although things will change this year, between HELOCs, 1031 Exchanges, and a Business Partnership, I'm up to 15 doors (including my personal residence) and I haven't done a down payment since 2015.

I guess they can feel blessed they weren’t crushed and sent out of business by the rampant theft that forced closures of even larger and well funded grocery stores in Detroit, Chicago, LA and NYC. 

(check page 7 of this IRS Pub)Something that's non-passive and you materially participate means you can deduct those losses up to the excess business loss limit. 

That is a very dishonest way to operate your business, and will get you a bad reputation and lose you money.

There are a few options(1)You can get connected with the larger wholesaler firms in the area (2) go through PCPAO site and skiptrace the buyers of similar properties as yours, (3) hunt down the agents involved in the sale of properties similar to yours or go to local REI meetings and pitch it to the investors there. 

Picking a focus early on will help keep you from feeling scattered.Networking is huge in this business.

Hi Matthew, Congratulations for being in this business for 35 years. 

May negative cashflow until fixed.3) Buy established business: assuming you mean something other than real estate related.

I would say my end goals would be some financial independence and also some business knowledge through transactions.

These are great for experienced flippers who can handle the tight timelines and costs.Private investing usually involves individuals funding your deal, like friends, family, or networking connections.