I know plenty of brokers that are killing it, but running a brokerage is a different ball game than just being an agent.As a caveat - "full time" for me is about 70 hrs / week, which includes about 30 hrs of "commuting"  (which usually involves dirtbike or harley trips). 

And it truly is a numbers game and I simply need to make more offers.

Purchase was in year 5 for $200k.Offer letter was detailed and described my reasoning for the offer and had a picture of the family and kids on it (play to the audience).Offer was refused.

That will give something for the seller to think about.My next steps are to have discussions with the HUD office, as to how the expenses really play into the rental subsidies.More to come.

Hi Meredith,SFRs in Ann Arbor proper are an appreciation play. but cash flow in the surrounding areas can be great.

For individual units, the cap rate isn't too bad at around 2-5%, especially considering the appreciation, but I feel like I have money stuffed under the mattress with the large amounts of equity I have built up in them.My end game is to leave Beijing and move to the SW U.S. when I retire from my current career within the next 5 years. 

The LLC is a pass-through or entity, so it is ultimately recognized as part of my single tax return.After all factual and legitimate accounting, the tax exposure can be significantly minimized with proper planning, documentation, and execution.Again, I’m not a tax professional and I don’t play one on TV.

I don't think anyone has mentioned, but you need to make sure you are in the game for the long run.

Brian, I reckon your "skin in the game" should really be the deposit you've saved (over the last 9+ years) to directly buy property that you want to invest in!

Which honestly is great to know and great to have in your arsenal of tactics but not 100% my game.