https://nationalmortgageprofessional.com/news/study-reveals-....Not sure BP will allow that link to post, if not just google " 10000 saved using a broker vs direct lender" and you can find the article.On the flip side, there are some banks and credit unions that could offer products that they do not allow to be brokered.

Hey @Scott Trench unfortunately real estate losses (active or passive) will not offset portfolio income from stock sale gains. 

.#2  MINDSET:  Just like some people will NEVER become real estate investors regardless of time, money, related profession, - MOST people will never become real estate investors.   

Part of the investment thesis was getting it for a bargain, then building an ADU complex on it as affordably as possible, getting it to cash flow, and realizing value on both the rental income but also property appreciation given the work going into it.If the property will really only be worth ~$1.70M once we are finished, I will likely just stop the project now and exit the house as soon as possible.If you do not get dollar for dollar for projects such as this, how would house flipping ever work?

Would love to hear an update on your Real Estate journey, @Kyle Barnhart. 

"Pasadena Real Estate Investors Meetup Group".

I’m a real estate investor and the owner of a fairly large property management firm here in Texas.

See my video on this for more info.Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Not the case with newer homes (in my area)- newer homes you could flip if the price was right, but the rental rates wouldn't support the purchase price + any rehab. 

I recommend doing a flip when you do not have any money.