Late into the game, need advice to start

[Michael NA]

I spent most of my 20s and 30s as a grad student, postdoc, researcher. Now at 40 I am just starting a "real job". I have no property but some savings. I need some advice how to start. I was thinking about a multifamily bldg, but most of the bldgs I have found in Houston (where my new job is) are either complete ruins or too expensive. I thought about a duplex, but my wife won't agree to live in a suboptimal (read non luxury) home. So far the only though I have is to buy a duplex and rent it out and live elsewhere myself.

Anyway, as you can see I am new, with little idea of how to approach this. Would really appreciate any creative suggestions, or tips.