@Jason BocekCongratulations on your successful start in investing.To correctly create a tax return, you will need to learn a few concepts that are specific to REI.

I have some friends trying to convince me otherwise, with their success stories in that segment of rentals however. 

If you are going to join a team, and it's a successful team, you should follow their lead.

And nor would I ask will without having success in the realm of RE.

I wish I could close up shop and be full time RE now, but I have to be an adult about it and will likely do both for 18-24 months before my commissions can sustain my life and investing.As for brokerage, since I started and built my own successful business, which I still currently run, I needed a brokerage that offered good educational access and support, but also the freedom to set my own schedule. 

This will keep you both on track and working towards a successful remodel.

If you're going to be successful as a Real Estate Investor, you will be successful with or without a license.  

I'm really interested in hearing what types of deal structures have been successful for other operators on these forums.Best,Mike 

Best of success! 

It's a mental success thing versus the dollar/cents approach that says pay off the highest interest rate first.