If you sell your home in the spring you will have to pay taxes on the capital gains since you have been there for less than two years.

This is a business, gift cards are marketing, you market to gain new customers, once your customer is buying your product it's a waste of money to keep marketing to them, they are already buying what you are selling. 

I took this position to gain the knowledge I need to start investing myself.  

Capital is not a concern, and the $120k downpayment would be diversification to an overall portfolio heavily weighted in the stock market. 

It may take you a while to find a balance, but a good wholesaler is worth their weight in gold (literally).  

I look forward to gaining knowledge and making valuable connections on BP. 

You can be your own general contractor and sub out the work; that way you gain contacts in the contractors' field and can pick the best for continuing maintenance on the property.  

Not sure how to structure to gain the highest tax advantage and long term income for retirement. 

What has changed materially is for investors to gain access to direct placements in individual projects nationwide using technology and for operators and platforms to be able to advertise their offerings generally.  

I think it is a way to gain financial freedom over time and that is my goal.