Starting out in real estate investing: Purchase vs Arbitrage

[Micah Lundstrom]

Hello, 

I am new to real estate investing and hoping to source some advice on first steps. Currently I have about $60k that I would be willing to move into real estate. By the end of the year I could have $80k. I work a full time-job and am attempting to pursue real estate investing as a side-hustle. 

My current strategy is to buy my first rental property this year, and then to use Airbnb Arbitrage to increase the rate at which I am able to collect cash for additional units. 

Two questions:

- Any feedback on this approach? Any tips for a beginner starting in real estate?

- I have considered starting with Airbnb arbitrage, pushing back the purchase of the first property to next year when market conditions may be look more favorable. Any thoughts here?

- A number of Instagram arbitragers have $5k programs where they "hand-hold" you through the first few deals. I know this information can be found online for free - but thoughts on leveraging something like this to get started quicker / with fewer mistakes while collecting a solid network of likeminded folk?

Thanks so much for any guidance here. 

Micah