How to get started in expensive market

[Joe Smith]

I am a new investor and late to the game. I have about $30k to $35k to invest and have yet to do so. As the months and years have passed, a growing sense of failure intensifies knowing that I haven't done anything with it. According to a local realtor website, the current median single family home is $510k, median townhome is $365k, and median condo is $315k with an average of 56 days on market over the past two years. Average room rent is around $525 a room per month. With the coronavirus, housing prices have only continued to climb while supply has slightly dipped. I am simply priced out of the market. The land is too valuable for abandoned or condemned properties which I wouldn't mind because I like to be hands on and do repairs myself. The last time there was a condemned house, it made the local newspaper (an apartment building sits on that property now). With no experience I am very hesitant to try long distance real estate investing. Sure, I could move to a cheaper city/state, but I have family here and a decent job. I'm more interested in buying and holding long term rather than flipping. I'd like to put my money to work and get rid of this failure feeling. I am very interested in serious advice. Thanks.