Keeping that 0 deals in mind (and actively looking at making my first), how should I approach this situation?

@Matthew T.To fund any kind of retirement plan, you need earned (active) income.

@Sanjeev KaushikI agree with @Dawn Brenengen, you'll see the ones active in the community and they'll stand out.

To find the local wholesalers, I suggest doing some research into what local Real Estate Investment Associations (usually via Meetup.com) are available and actively meeting.

Seller financing will probably be your best bet

The CPA you spoke to was right, there are tremendous tax benefits for what the IRS calls "real estate professionals" The basic criteria is twofold: 1) you must engage more that half of your 'working' time in real estate related activities. 2) You must spend at least 750 hours involved in RE.What is considered real estate involvement?

I'll bet 99% would agree with rounding up as a no brainer, effortless way to avoid unintended delays.     

I would also check your comps in rent say go back over the last 5 years and I would bet you are seeing over time increases to your rent in your area due to growth?

Hello BP fam, I have a couple questions as I’m actively working on purchasing my first investment.

I am willing to bet that a house of that size with a Koi pond is in a fairly nice area that’s zoned residential, single-family.