Because of both the limits and the responsibility, it is easier to participate in these investments as an accredited investor.  

http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2010/08/04/basics-of-real-estate-professional-status-tax-irs/Thats a very good read.More than half of the professional hours worked throughout the year must have been devoted to material participation in real estate activities;More than 750 hours of material participation in real estate activities in the tax year being considered

@Bill Gulley Why do you even participate on BiggerPockets or in this thread if all you're going to do is bash a product or service that two people work hard on to produce?

Be sure you meet the material participant / real estate professional test per the IRS, however assuming such, you could expense as much "business related expenses" as possible to offset your ordinary income (consult with your CPA first!).

Don't participate in one sided conversations. 

Live Chat replay with Chad Carson and Scott TrenchClick the link below to watch the replay. https://www.biggerpockets.com/pages/leases-live-blab-with-chad-carson-and-scott-trench______________________________________________@Chad Carsonand @Scott Trench join me on Friday, February 19 at noon Mountain time for a live chat about Leases - what NEEDS to be in the lease, what your lease does and doesn't do, and how best to protect yourself and your property.Go to Let's Talk Leases w Chad Carson and Scott Trench to sign up for the Blab or watch it live on BiggerPockets here.Blab.im is a live chat site that allows anyone with an internet connection to watch a conversation.You may sign in with your Twitter account to participate in the sidebar discussion during the live chat, or you may watch anonymously.11:00 AM Pacific, Noon Mountain, 1:00 Central and 2:00 Eastern.

(b) If they participated, they are 'COMPLICIT' - - ask what ARE they going to do to support you?

Here is the link to the survey - https://docs.google.com/a/biggerpockets.com/forms/...Thank you for your participation and support of BiggerPockets.com!

If the next action is "NOTICE FILED" and the 'Participant' is the bank, the auction has likely been scheduled.

@Ethan Bruland @Sajju Shah @David Tipton  Thanks for participating in this discussion.