First Post - Questions before starting path to financial freedom!

[Matt Darling]

Hi All,

Fairly new to BP, been listening to all the podcasts and enjoy looking through this forum. First post on here!

Been saving up for a while, and ready to start my path to financial freedom within the next year. Living in Seattle right now, but am interested in investing out of WA, and living where I invest, at least for the first few years. I am taking time to decide where I want to invest, and whether it be SF, MF, or small apartments. Ultimately, I want to become financially free with cash flow produced by my assets. I'm aiming to get a 12% or more CoC return after all expenses. Does this seem realistic?

In terms of markets to invest in for cash flow, the Midwest seems to be a very popular answer. Any additional insights on that and why that might be a good option for me? I know there are a lot of posts I can look through for insight on that.

I like the idea of small apartment investing in places like Tucson, AZ. I love the sun, and would enjoy spending some time down there. I was analyzing an apartment building with about an 17% CoC return, which looked like a good deal. Anybody investing in AZ and have any advice on that?

Also, this may be a loaded question, but how much do buy in hold investments get effected by a recession? Is it different between SF, MF and Apartments? It seems whenever I talk to people about becoming financially free through RE, they always ask “well, what about when a recession hits”. So just curious to hear feedback on how but and holds are effected throughout that. I know there probably isn’t a simple answer, and it probably varies based on the market and asset type.

Lots of questions on here, feel free to chime in on any of them. I appreciate all feedback and advice! I will continue to read through posts on here, I know there is a ton of good info.