We planned to pull the permits ourselves to renovate the bathroom and kitchen, however, only after we paid for the permit the building department is requiring a CSL since we planned to remove sheetrock and the state of Massachusetts does not recognize us the homeowners since we have no intent to live there. 

I'd say one of the biggest benefits is they sell your stuff to qualified, proven Buyers. 

Initially, I would say that my goals as a real estate investor would be to educate myself as much as possible and expand my network so that I can recognize a good deal on a rental property, get the process started building out my team, purchasing the property, and securing a tenant.

If you consistently analyze properties, it will be much easier to recognize a good deal when it shows up.5.

I had a similar gain to yours and if you can position yourself into another cash flowing asset, it ALWAYS makes more sense to recognize the gain.

As much as you might want to emotionally, don’t rely on what is said so much as what can be proven.  

No big deal.We do host a weekly investors coffee club every Wednesday 7:30am at east Ave Wegmans cafe seating area.Become a fly on the wall, listen, and start to recognize where active investors pain points might be.

I also require earnest money because as a land investor, I should be selling at a great price and I want people to complete their due diligence ahead of time, not just recognize a good deal and try to get it under contract.

The good thing is that you recognize it as a blessing and are using it to your advantage to help purchase your first rental.

Once you have a proven concept, cashflow, and equity in properties, you will be able to find a small bank that will do a portfolio loan or commercial note for you.