Instead we work hard at our 9-5 jobs to earn an income and be disciplined to set aside dollars each month to invest in our next investment.

My number for lean FIRE is $36k a year, so I should focus on higher-appreciating properties for the next few years to help me earn enough capital that I can then trade into properties that will produce $36k a year.

Hello BiggerPockets Community,I am about to graduate college and pursue a career in the mortgage industry.

When the numbers work, converting your primary, while retaining access to equity can be a great jump start to your investing career! 

Will they be actively involved in management or passive, earning a return based just on their investment?

So, most likely, if you just bought the property and the leaking has beef a long standing issue; whoever your career is would deny the claim.

I had a burning desire to find a new career path which would lead me to a future in which I could stop trading time for money.

I also went to SF years ago before I started my real estate career as a Realtor here locally.

If you were entitled, that is your income as you "earned" it. 

If you earn a commission, set it aside and keep living off your budget.