One of the tax benefits of a rental is the noncash depreciation deduction that serves to shelter cash flow from tax.

A benefit of a 1-year lease is that you know you won't have a vacancy for a year.

No SSAE16-Soc II report on file, No E&O, no regulatory body governing them, no audited financials, no policies and procedures on NPPI data, etc.) they aren't going to be able to call an institutional lender/servicer/bank to buy a note.Our diatribe ends up being to the benefit of the OP.

@Pari Rizwan I don't have a clue as to what your goals in the real estate industry are so I would have no way of knowing if a sales agent license would be of a benefit to you.

Could be that it's a lot easier to fill a 3/2.Almost every month there is some small repair needed (e.g. plumbing).The benefit of being in the area is that I could meet with the property manager in person and build a way better connection like that.

Over the years I have always been bringing it up to my wife how much of a benefit house hacking would be for us financially down the road. 

Flipping sounds sexy, but its a job more than it is investing and you don't reap the tax benefits of owning real estate long term doing that.

Fortunately, I don't work full-time because I receive veteran education benefits that cover the basic costs of living.

If you put that towards the purchase of a 3-4 unit building you intend on living in and renting out the other apartments, California real estate investing is well within your reach.I regret putting these terrific benefits to work while I was in the Army.

One of the best benefits in real estate is your ability to physically effect your investments and change outcomes to an extent with preparation and research.