Hi Katie, do the tax benefits apply to just Real Estate professionals or could it also apply to regular full-time W-2 employees?

I found a seller who is motivated to sell his property at a pretty steep discount.My plan is to put the property in escrow on an executory contract/land contract with the condition that the title will transfer once the seller receives his funds.

Hands down one of the most efficient ways of learning the ins and outs of real estate investing without taking on to much at once. 

I imagine there may be steps to take with the city upfront to determine if in fact the ground on the lot can be built on, but some general guidance or tips on best place to start and what to expect throughout the new construction process in Buffalo.

Generally, the further you get out of the urban center, the more likely you are to find cash flow.

Got this from the sponsor - Real estate gain is 1231 - but there will also be recapture of depreciation which is ordinary income.With a few unknowns before the actual k-1 is released, it's hard to make any concrete decisions but was just wondering if I should sell some long-term held stock at fidelity to offset the gains

If you lived in the property for 2 out of the last five years then you wouldn’t pay capital gains up to a certain amount.

That's exactly what I'm saying, pay off your entire balance before the statement closes (option 1), not on the actual payment due date (option 2)                                                              Option 1               Option 2Prior statement balance on Nov 1             $0               $5,000New charge on Nov 5                         $10,000             $10,000Paid on due date Nov 10                             $0              -$5,000Paid on closing date Nov 30             -$10,000                      $0Statement Balance on Nov 30                    $0              $10,000The ultimate goal is not to pay off your statement balance in full each month. 

No, I do not know at all if the land will appreciate.

I like number 1 just based on what I read, especially if you can get a new primary and shave off a downpayment for an investment property.