As always, seek professional advice.

If you or your spouse qualify as a 'real estate professional' and meet material participation regarding the property, the tax losses become non-passive and can offset other taxable income.Good convo to have with your tax CPA/EA who can consider your facts, circumstances, and goals.

taxes are sooo confusing as there seems to be many opinions out there, even among the professionals. 

I've only explored building in Pamlico county, not Craven county, so don't know what new construction demand looks like there in New Bern.

@Natasha Richardson as you explore neighborhoods, try to prioritize wha you need.

These are professionals with additional training and a stricter code of ethics.

Is it a good idea or an unreasonable ask in my offer to have a contingency stating I'd like to get a professional appraisal done and offer is contingent on my satisfaction with the findings? 

Hello All! I am extremely grateful to be among the best and most experienced real estate investors out there.  Thank goodness for BiggerPockets!  I am completely new to investing and want to learn as much as I can (th...

Professional photos, 3D scan, SEO presence and experienced agents that are paid based on your customer service experience is what I'd look for..paying someone for any level of service just doesn't seem like a good investment to me.I would also question the ethics of any brokerage/agent that bad mouth's or publicly makes false statements about another brokerage in direct violation of National Association of Realtors Code of Ethics (low paid, inexperienced agents)  I guess some folks feel a need to tear someone down to build themselves up!

They had those professional massage tables, a bar at the entrance of the home where people usually have living room.