Paying off loans or saving up for an investment property are great ways to set up for the future.

Investment Info:Industrial buy & hold investment.

Your home is a liability and an investment is an asset.Interesting.  

As much as I wanted to make something in Texas work, there was just too much demand from 2nd home buyers that drove up prices to a point where investment returns, even in 2021-2022, were tight (vacation home buyers that didn't care about the investment return and just wanted a beach/lake/hill country home for personal use). 

I'm seeking out other real estate investment-minded folks in Idaho.

Investment Info:Small multi-family (2-4 units) buy & hold investment.

It doesn't say "in the year before"... and I know this is typically how tax stuff works, from Jan 1st to Dec 31st.   

While I am impressed with your enthusiasm, the reality of getting a project done and for a proper return on investment, whatever your investors may be looking for, is difficult.

If you have switched jobs and your retirement is in an IRA vs. 401k, maybe consider rolling it into a self-directed account to invest in other people's deals with that money (aka private money lender, syndications, etc.)

Best of luck investing