@David C. when I started protecting my assets over 10 years ago Statutory Trusts were not around. 

Hello all,I am interested in beginning my investment journey within the next 6- 8 months and start by building my network and learning from people that have already done it.

Wanted outcome: I want to keep some version of an affordable residence for my kids to use as they start out in early adulthood.

(I bought it 3 years ago)I'm trying to see how long in the future I will need to do another gut renovation, so I can start saving up some money toward it.Things are in pretty good shape.

These forums are a great place to learn and meet people, whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned investor.

I realize the benefits of investing in real estate and would like to get started as early as possible.

Under the IRS rules, a person  qualifies as a real estate professional if: (1) more than one-half of the personal services the taxpayer performs in trades or businesses during the tax year are in real property trades or businesses in which the taxpayer materially participates, AND.....(2) hours spent providing personal services in real property trades or businesses in which the taxpayer materially participates total more than 750 during the tax year.Like @Greg Scott and @Russell Brazil mentioned above, I don't believe that you would qualify as a REPS, but if you are going to try it, make sure you document it very well (i.e. with some kind of proof, like time cards, mileage forms, and/or receipts, etc.) so that just in case you do get audited, you at least have something to provide to the IRS agent. 

who starts off the project by cheating and asking you to cheat as well.

However, I'm starting to think I can get much more selling them individually to owner/occupants.

I am hoping to start investing in the Tampa Bay area in Q1 2025.