@Amit Shukla the STR loophole allows you to take losses from passive investments and deduct them against active income by material participating in your property. 

That would put me about 25 miles south of my job which I don't mind and is much better than the 75 miles now.

Excited to learn from others and would love to meet local people who are like minded and have already been down this path. 

However, keep in mind, once they do you'll need to be prepared for the worst.

Do you have single project in mind already? 

I would recommend to move forward with the end in mind. 

I am not sure if you are an American Football fan, but the term that comes to mind is when the punter kicks the ball "too well" and allows the return team time to set up a solid return.

If the problem is severe enough, you'll see evidence of the problem with discoloration of your new flooring or even water ponding on the floor.Keep in mind that water can also condense on the basement walls adjacent to your new floor.

In past years I always had in mind acquiring doors and having semi-steady monthly.While I have a highly flexible schedule, I don't have the freedom to be on call at any time.

If you are averse to risk, then actively investing in real estate may not be a good idea because it has risks and is frustrating.