It's basically a trade off between asset protection vs easy of financing.

I feel you can work with a realtor and learn the tricks of the trade and gain a commission as well.  

Ordinary income potentially subject to SE taxes for an asset used in a trade or business.And it's very unlikely you're going to get back when you paid for the asset when you're selling it with one year's use on it.

I understand the consequences of leveraging, however just suggesting an alternative. 

You begin to depreciate your property when you place it in service for use in your trade or business or for the production of income.

They put a trade-line block on the client's report, and send a fraud notice to all three major credit bureaus (if there is fraudulent activity).

@Justin Skinner Great spot to trade into. 

(Hardball - with unknown consequences if you did give notice).

After years of time spent on research, I've gotten to the point where I'm considering quitting my day job and taking up trading as a career, and I'm looking into options for reducing my taxable income.

Mahinda Ratnayake I sold my Seattle rentals and traded for out of state rentals.