Hello, I am a rookie investor trying to understand how to invest in my first property without losing my shirt.

It's hard work and takes knowledge vetting flippers and their contractors, understanding rehab costs and time lines, knowing ARVs, and keeping capital deployed full time from flip to flip (which is necessary or your annual returns decline to levels that could be achieved with a less risky strategy). 

It's crucial to understand the state-specific regulations regarding like-kind exchanges, as some states may not recognize or fully conform to the federal provisions.

Second, in terms of asset protection, LLCs are not invincible, but I think what many don’t understand is that they are not designed to completely shield your assets from liabilities, on the contrary they are designed to contain and isolate liabilities.

I do understand their reservations, but there has just got to be a way.Anyone have any input on this situation?

I started off with a duplex in 2017 and now have a solid portfolio of rentals.

Please note the information provided below is a layman's definition designed to provide a basic understanding for the general audience.

Verifying last 2 years of rental history and income extremely important to find the “best of the worst”.Make sure you understand the Class of properties you are looking at and the corresponding results to expect.What else can we assist you with?

I am willing to learn as much as possible so please suggest materials and conferencesThank you Just a word of advice, if you ask for advice to be honest most people are gonna try to sell you on their market and ultimately their service or course, you need to figure generally the direction you want to go, your risk tolerance, the area, the trade offs between appreciation and cash flow, understand, it’s going to be hard to get much if any cash flow in this market, brrring & flipping are close to dead with the exception of a few areas in dc and a few rural markets, even there it’s difficult, come up With a basic plan than go into a conversation with whoever you work with and at least understand the right questions to ask, the best comparison I can make is my mom always makes me go to the mechanic with her, even though I can’t actually fix the car, I can at least talk the same language as the mechanic.

.- Understand passive activity loss rules limiting deduction of losses from passive activities.Capital Gains Taxes- Be aware of tax implications when selling property, considering short-term and long-term rates.- Explore strategies like 1031 exchanges to defer capital gains taxes.Deductions and Expenses- Know eligible deductions: mortgage interest, property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and management fees.- Maintain detailed records of all real estate-related expenses.- Use cost segregation studies to expedite depreciation of your properties to offset large income gains.Entity Structure- Choose appropriate legal structure (LLC, partnership, or S corporation) with consideration for different tax implications.Tax Credits- Explore available credits, like energy-efficient or historic rehabilitation credits.Qualified Business Income (QBI) Deduction- Check eligibility for QBI deduction, providing up to a 20% deduction on qualified business income.Record Keeping- Keep accurate and organized records for tax compliance and audits.State and Local Taxes- Consider varying state and local tax implications, including property and income tax rates.Tax Planning- Engage in proactive tax planning, consulting with professionals for a comprehensive strategy.Tax Changes- Stay informed about changes in federal, state, and local tax laws affecting real estate investments.Remember to consult a real estate tax professional for personalized advice based on your specific situation.