Something I'm considering doing, and I'll preface by saying I haven't researched every aspect of this plan to see if it's viable yet, is using a hard money lender to purchase and renovate a fixer upper house for myself.

You’d also have to meet the active participation test.There is one aspect of this to keep in mind, it’s that you do get to carry forward those “suspended” losses.

There just seems to be a focus on the wrong aspects of my post.

I spend every day learning new things about real estate and working on different aspects of my craft - AND I LOVE IT!!

I'm interested in all aspects of real estate including, but not limited to traditional residential and commercial real estate sales, investments, fix and flips, buy and holds, etc. and I'm looking forward to learning and growing here with as many of you as possible!

I hadn't thought about the insurance aspect yet. 

You are eligible for an FHA 203k loan (a renovation loan) up to the same amount you are approved for total without the 203k aspect.

I come from a quantitative background, and I've been able to dial-in my deal analysis quickly, but repair work is an entirely foreign frontier for me.I'm torn between the goal of building a serviceable skillset in every aspect of RE (handiwork, property management, etc.) versus doubling down on my strengths in analysis and relationship-building. 

Also, a real estate agent usually wouldn't really be doing much when it comes to the title work aspect, besides maybe making a few phone calls to them, sitting there with you at closing, and perhaps some advising if there are any liens presented on the title. 

Weather, politics, schools, crime, location of family and friends, employment opportunities, social and environmental aspects, diversity, cultural, arts and entertainment, cost of living, taxes, population density; are just some of the reasons.