If you want to be invited to participate with GPs in larger deals, you need to have one more useful skills to contribute to the partnership.Some skills that many operating groups need:- Ability to find deals- Underwriting, proforma analysis, rent comps, market analysis, etc- Due diligence and create accurate budgets- Asset Management- Construction Management- Investor relationsOr, if you have a high net worth, many GPs will provide equity in return for your signing on the debt.All of these things are valuable to operating groups, and if you're really good any one or more of them, you may be able to trade your skills for equity in a deal(s). 

The IRS doesn’t care if you out the money in savings, paid a bill or blew it in vegas.

Once you have you finances in place and have the ability to close then find a property. 

It's a people business and relies heavily on networking and your ability to work with people.

If they do not have the ability to accept residents in wheelchairs, it would be unwise to accept them.Finally, at least in the state of GA, you would not need a license as the owner of the home, but that could vary on your state and local rules and regulations.

You will need to get a local, rockstar Realtor, contractor, lender, and property manager. https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/core-four-real-estate-team As for picking a specific market, I would choose one that has job and population growth with a high median income, and Columbus, Ohio is a great choice.

@Brittany C SpraginsMost will say realtor because of their network, that is essentially what you are getting when you chose a realtor besides personality fit and work ethic ( but that again will fall into the networking ability, Thierry network.)With that said, connect with everyone, start making phone calls, start making connections and relationships.There is a north Raleigh meetup next Wednesday’s.

For the search and ability to get a yes, find a property that is out of the area for the agent for instance you have a 626 area code and the agent that has the listing has a 949 area code (just a quick example).

Regarding going from W2 to 1099, it will eliminate your ability to get loans for at least 1 year as you will need to show the 1099 income on a tax return and it will be averaged for 12 months.

I figured that REI is the best place to grow the money with tax benefits (mortgage interest, property taxes, depreciation).