I love that you have found passion in REI and have laid down a path to success with your three approaches.Of the 3 activities you are in, do you prefer one over the others? 

I did your path Realtor, Realtor for investor, Flipping houses with OPM.

Seller will owner finance the portion she can.To those who have been walking down this path, how are you funding these projects?

There are so many variables and some of the biggest misunderstandings come from regional variances on how these variables are handled (mortgages & financing especially).I had thought progressing towards multifamily and then commercial was the obvious path to follow, but one conversation changed it all.

This will be my first year filing taxes which will include 1 rental property. i do my own taxes since it's straight forward with one W2 and now a investment property. 

Taking the calculated moves is the path that I am on right now!! 

Trying to understand what multi family rentals are and learning how I can invest or convince myself to invest into it or learn more on this topic to understand this is not my path.

This is not ideal but financially the best path. 

Starting my own firm was surprisingly straightforward, thanks to the lessons I learned from past failures.

If your AGI is over $150K, passive loss limitations may apply.Setting up an LLC is straightforward but consider state fees, tax implications, and liability protection when making your decision.