I’ve seen a bunch of posts here over the past six month on BP where people seem to be betting big money (some call it investing) based purely on someone’s charm and word.

I don't know much more about your or the property to make other additional comments or analysis on the situation.

Appreciation is based on the specific/immediate area of a specific property...not the state. 

So, we found a property manager through a friend and fell into the business.In 2023 we decided the real estate thing might work, refinanced our property from 2009 and bought an additional rental property in the same area placed it with our current property manager… on purpose this time.

I have around $500K to invest and also have the opportunity to pool additional funds from investors, totaling approximately $1 million.Considering the complexities and governmental regulations in New Jersey, I'm struggling to make a decision.

To have your activity qualify as material participation, you must meet one of the following tests:-Work more than 500 hours in the activity (a married couple can count the involvement of both spouses to meet this test)-Do substantially all the work in the activity-Work more than 100 hours in the activity, and no one else worked more than the taxpayer (including non-owners or employees)-The activity is a significant participation activity and your total time in all significant participation activities exceeds 500 hours-You materially participated in the activity in any five of the prior ten years-You materially participated in a personal service activity for any three prior years-Based on all facts and circumstances, you participate for more than 100 hours in the activity on a regular, continuous or substantial basis during the yearPractically speaking, this means you’re doing the work on your rental properties rather than hiring a property manager.

Buy 4 more properties - one approximately every 3 months, based on the following logic = always fill existing property with a tenant prior to moving on (I'm new, and this is my way of managing risk); build resources to purchase next property (I have pretty decent purchasing power right now through conventional lending with my current job, and I also have a private lender ready to loan on my next property, and I also get a quarterly commission check that provides a nice financial bump every 3 months); finding a property takes time, but it is worth it to find the right property in the neighborhoods I want to invest in, at the right price.

Based on comps and speaking with realtors we figure I can sell my home and after paying off my mortgage and selling expenses I could net approx 750-900k, depending upon the sale price of course.

Based on your opinion, would DFW area also be a great starting point in Texas?

I’m based in Houston, Tx.