To optimize a BRRRR I specifically look to add additional livable sq ft.

I will use this as necessary, should I need additional liquidity.   

I'm employed full time as a sales engineer so real estate investing would be more a side project for me to earn additional income.As some of you may know, the Boston real estate market has been booming recently so the Boston metro area is probably outside my wheelhouse.

How much can we "pay ourselves" from the profit to avoid additional taxes?

Now still have 64K left which planning on using to secure 2 to 3 additional properties. 

Additional business docs wouldn’t hurt if you’re worried... but you should be ok.

I'm not sure about the brain drain because it was published when Amazon was looking for an additional HQ that engineers are hired faster here than any other city. 

I have some property management opportunities underway to help generate some cash flow on a steady basis, plan to act as an agent for some additional cash flow, and also have an interest in flipping homes. 

One just need read the law for a very easy understandingThe preceding sentence shall not apply to any foreign taxes described in subsection (a)(3) or to any taxes described in paragraph (1) and (2) of subsection (a) which are paid or accrued in carrying on a trade or business or an activity described in section 212.And then the reference from the above law to IRS Code 212(1) It has been paid or incurred by the taxpayer during the taxable year (i) for the production or collection of income which, if and when realized, will be required to be included in income for Federal income tax purposes, or (ii) for the management, conservation, or maintenance of property held for the production of such income, or (iii) in connection with the determination, collection, or refund of any tax; and(2) It is an ordinary and necessary expense for any of the purposes stated in subparagraph (1) of this paragraph.And for even simplified version, just look at the IRS guidance on the subject...What Deductions Can I Take as an Owner of Rental Property?

Abstract fees (abstract of title fees).Charges for installing utility services.Legal fees (including title search and preparationof the sales contract and deed).Recording fees.Surveys.Transfer taxes.Owner's title insurance.Any amounts the seller owes that you agree to pay, such as back taxes or interest,recording or mortgage fees,charges for improvements or repairs,and sales commissions.Settlement costs do not include amounts placed in escrow for the future payment of items such as taxes and insurance.3) if there were other costs incurred to acquire the house such as if you spend money for tax advice, tickets to fly to look at the house( or milage)  and such also gets added to the basisGood luck