At the current market, what is the best strategy for a first time investor?

[Alex R.]

Something that is doable considering limited experience of such investor; offering a reasonable reward and manageable risk.
For example I know Auctions have potentials for huge equity right at the time of purchase but there are complexities to them such as liens or deferred taxes.
Multi-family units seem to be lucrative but then they have their own downsides.
Flip needs experience in managing time, contractors …
Which path is the ideal path to take as for the first deal?