But, what’s the best strategy for someone who wants to own property, but just as an “aside”; to diversify their portfolio, hedge against inflation, or build a retirement nest egg?

Welcome to the world of real estate investing!

Read "Long-Distance Real Estate Investing" by David Greene for starters.

I'm interested in learning about rental property investment, looking to build a rental portfolio, exploring real estate investing to replace my income.

Quote from @Kyle Barnhart: I live near Phoenix and looking to invest locally.

Quote from @Bruce Rasquinha: Hi, I'm a newbie to the world of real estate investments.

We invest in 8 states currently. 

Mostly due to the fact my spouse and I agreed on her to have zero involvment in any sort of RE investing (and its our home) I think once you have a good 6-12 months of reserve cash (operating expenses for your own life saved as a back up incase things go bad) save enough liquidity to get the ball rolling on your first invesment.

I'm very new to investing and weighing which options would benefit me the most.Option 1:  Use the cash as down payment on another primary residence and rent out the current.

Ok so a diff path then my previous post.I also wanted to invest in real estate but just assume( and bet is probably true) that most of the people that find truly good investments have  either or all of the following the most "average joes" don't:1.