@Brandon MotukMy stance is to stay actIvely buyIng but always stick to fundamentals and only buy properties that meet a strict set of criteria.

Second step use a good CPA to help you.Having an active relationship with a CPA can really help.That means working with the CPA before the end of the tax year.

If you're actively looking for properties I can help with your search too as I am an agent as well. 

All:I have two active rental properties in my area, both are in my own name. 

If you have one unit but actively manage it, take the deduction.

There are professional business owners that can do much better but they tend to own many locations where they can scale and put in structure to get more passive and away from day to day activities.

There are several members who are active here on BiggerPockets with ton of knowledge, you can often see their names in forum discussions, try contacting @Michael Plaks or @Nicholas Aiola

I am originally from Mystic, CT currently active duty Military with 8 years left before retirement and I started looking into real estate investing as a way to augment our retirement income.

do you have any active contracts?

@Anthony Hummel we never know how many will make ti to a specific meeting but tonight there are over 35 pre-registered - probably 55-85 will attend - with about 80% being active investors.