I also learned that a down payment on a rental property does not count as an expense.

Lessons learned?

I personally would go with cedar and have vertical posts spaced 5 inches apart.

BiggerPockets Forums and MarketplaceOf course, BiggerPockets is an invaluable resource for networking, learning, and finding deals.

@Mindy Jensen A little too personal to post publicly but if I can figure out how to PM you I would love to get others opinions. 

Your post is under the house-hacking section, do you plan to house-hack and live in this property that you purchase in Jacksonville.If you are planning to live here in Jacksonville, it is important to choose a good neighborhood that you would enjoy living in.I personally like the 5 points/riverside, San Marco and Southside/Baymeadows area.These areas have more resturants/activities than other parts of Jacksonville in my opinion.

From my own experience, I know that letting personal biases or bad feelings about the seller or property affect my decision-making can cause me to miss out on chances.My first mistake was being too set in my ways and not being able to think outside the box.

$3,000 for a personal return (filing single) and 6 properties (no LLC or Corp) does not seem reasonable.

If you’re still working through it, I’m happy to share what I’ve learned—feel free to reach out! 

While it may not provide immediate high cash flow, it could serve as a valuable learning experience and a foundation for future investments.Remember, successful real estate investing isn't about following a one-size-fits-all approach.