What would you do?

[Adam Eckhoff]

Hello everyone,

I'm looking to purchase my first rental property (preferably a duplex). I purchased a home back in 2020 for $360,000 (rounded). The home appreciated in value, to north of $550,000 (rounded). I currently have liquid savings of $70,000 I was looking to invest. 

Here are my thoughts: Do I continue to save and invest for the next 5-7 years; as such, I would have around $200,000+ saved, or do I just pull the trigger and purchase my first duplex (assuming a positive cash flow) for 80.0% of my current savings... I'm really in the mindset of investing in an index fund and building that up; however, I also want to own multiple rental properties... 

If you guys were in this situation, how would you proceed? 

Thanks,

Adam.