But what I really want is the freedom to be able to take risk like start my own business, get into a startup, etc. but have a basic safety net or backstop in place in case things don't work out.  

There is a lot, but on the most basic level, look for someone who does at least 30-40 deals a year as an agent and owns at least 10-15 doors, some rehab experience is a plus.

It basically asks the tenant what their rent is, what security deposit they have had withheld, the length of their lease, and any known issues with their unit.

@Marcus L RobersonBased on A couple of your posts seems like you have a few basics to knock out, I’d be more than happy to answer any and all questions.

You invest money with a professional real estate investor who is basically doing (A) above and he raises money from others to buy and manage deals.

They basically turned a SFH into a duplex.

Between my experience remodeling and building houses and what I’ve learned about flipping houses, I feel like I have a grasp on the basic concepts.

@Caleb Heimsoth So basically I want to only look at 100% equity leads?

My original question was basically how to do it without being raped on taxes.

I have done some research and I have some basic understandings and questions1) Looks like I need to know a "conversion to rental date"  Is this just any date I want to pick after the 2nd house closes?