So I just inherited a good chunk of change

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So I just inherited a good chunk of change and I want to get into real estate. My brothers (who got the same amount) are going the Index Fund / Stock Market route. I will do some of that but after listening to some BP podcasts and doing some general Googling I feel that I can supplement my income nicely in the flip or rental game. I am 24, fresh out of college, working as an architect with a pretty solid income, so I am comfortable taking a little risk. They are always pushing people to use the forums so I just wanted to get some feed back / advice and maybe get the temperature of local markets.

A few more deets:

• I live in the San Antonio, Tx area and would like to invest locally
• I would also like to use as little of my own cash as possible IF IT MAKES THE MOST SENSE
• I've worked in construction all my life and I know how/what to do to get things done. Construction-wise at least...

I wish I had some more specific questions but I really just want to get a feel for things and maybe get the compass pointed the right way.

Thanks guys!