I installed either one or two coin operated washers and dryers in the basement area since in upstate NY we have basements.

You'll need to separate your assets (either by using a Series-LLC or individual LLC with assessed distribution of assets by LLC) and you'll need to separate your passive (asset holding entities) from active operations (the property management side).After you took care of all this you can look into other more complicated/expensive strategies like you describe (equity stripping).Here is a diagram to help you on this quest - talk with @Scott Smith for professional advice on this:

So on one end of the spectrum, I do deals that would be a flat fee type structure I'm assuming, and on the other end I have deals that would operate like a traditional loan but with a balloon.

You're operating under the assumption that the average property sold is equivalent to the average property rented.

Get your feet steady underneath you.

Get a strong operating agreement drafted that outlines the purpose of the business and your individual roles in detail.Take it one at a time and grow from there!

Your passive loss, however, can be.For example:Let’s say my MAGI is $160k, I have gross rental income of $10k, expenses related to my rental of $6k and depreciation of $5k.My net operating income is $4k ($10k - $6k).

I work full time now(40 hrs a week) and own and operate my own plumbing company on the side where I make about 6 times as much.

This may be a good solution for you but be sure to understand the law and operate it properly so you don't lose the protections afforded.Most investors I deal with own the property in their own name.

I normally forbid tenants from operating a business from a residential property.