I have an appointment scheduled with tax professional but thought I would venture into obtaining some info from some of BP's wisest...1.

However I went to my first local REI meeting the Professional Investors Guild (PIG).

The catch is they can NOT market or advertise their offering so it is up to the non accredited investor to seek them out and pro actively ask if they have anything.

@Carl LeggI agree with @Brian Eastman unless you have experience as you say and have professional advisors if you are not a professional don't save money here. 

Pay off current mortgage, save frivolously, seek other purchases, etc.I'm looking for some advice and direction from some similar experiences here within the BP community.

I have been trying to network with local RE professionals but so far nothing is set in stone.

I enjoy meeting new people and am currently seeking a mentor to help me get started.

Miller, Haviland Ketter CPA's are the best... and can handle both MO and KS for taxes... professional and won't break the bank . 

I am not a lawyer/tax professional.Here is what the IRS says:https://www.irs.gov/publications/p463/ch01.htmlOn a side note, based on what I have learned from some professionals, your trip must be predominantly for business purposes: you must spend at least half of the total days on your business.

Ask your tax professional if you should file as a qualified joint venture or not.