First Time Buyer? What should I start with?

[Heather Dickey]

Hey everyone! I just turned 27 and have begun thinking about investing. I was peeking at a 2 unit building for $250k that would have a good return (could maybe get $3k rent/mo) Is that too ambitious for my first time? I’ve lived in NYC for the past 4 years but it didn’t manage to suck me completely dry. I’m currently back in the coastal Carolina area.

Assets:

I have about $40k cash

401k has 28k

Stocks I play with $3.5k

Possible Assets:

Could cash out $30k on my life insurance policy, although some have advised against it (million dollar policy)

Other stocks- my parents bought me before I was born - uncertain about the amount

If I wanted to jump on an investment, where do I start? A real estate agent? A bank?

Thanks in advance!