See this article:https://www.forbes.com/sites/janetnovack/2013/03/26/how-real-estate-investors-can-protect-themselves-from-the-irs/Have you read Tax Free Wealth by Tom Wheelright?

You'll need to find a value-add deal.Sounds to me like you'd be better reading up on BRRRR investing and focus on that.

You should read on this and practice a ton to get comfortable with people more.

There is a reason for everything you just have to dig for it What is the employment rate,crime rate ,average wage ,cost of living, is population decreasing ,did a large employer leave town etc,etc 

@Wyatt Johnson I read this article the other day and creeped the heck out of me.

I have been reading a lot of posts trying to decide what's the best way to go and I see pros and cons on both sides.

I am looking in the $175K-$250K range.Questions:I've listened to Podcast 229 with Zeona McIntyre and read the articles about short-stay on this site. 

@Jason Wyatt Keep learning, read, identify a niche of REI you want to focus in then meet local RE investors and develop relationships with those that are succeeding in that niche. 

I had read some articles online that even in joint tenancy, where multiple people own and are on title of a property, only the individual(s) legally obligated to the debt (i.e. named on the mortgage note) can deduct the mortgage related expenses (interest).

The ending should read ****THIS is not legal of advice. please consult an attorney.