What should I do with the money I’m about to receive?

[Meredith Ogden]

In the beginning of 2025 I will have about $100k (hopefully more) in fully vested stocks for the company I work for. I’m considering using that money to start investing in real estate. I work in restaurants operations management and would eventually like to get out of the industry. I am unsure what the tax implications are for cashing out this amount of money from the stock market. 

My 2 main interests in real estate are flipping and short term vacation rentals. I’m wondering if anyone has advice on how to get started or if I should wait and keep the money in the stock market and diversify to other  investments to build up more cash. Ideally I just want to start with one flip to gain experience and confidence. I could use advice on creative financing or hard money lending. I’m fairly confident in the actual renovation process due to my experience with facility management and vendor relations in the restaurant industry. 

Would love to connect with a mentor in the Denver, CO area as well. Thank you!