If numbers make sense and you can lock in favorable costs, building could be a great move.

This is tough to do with today's high prices and mortgage rates, which is why so many investors have slowed down or stopped investing until the market turns favorable again.Below is an example of a single-family home in Allentown.

The market has plenty of older properties that need renovation, a favorable refi environment, and is generally landlord friendly.That said, it's not all upside Cleveland has slower appreciation, harsh winters, and older homes that often require significant repairs.I sold over 50 value add deals last year and I can say that if you have even a "good" GC crew (doesn't have to superstars) you can raise and repeat this process all throughout the Westside and parts of East.

And fall in equities will only exacerbate this trend - along with continued on-shoring / pro-growth trends the current administration is pushing.  

If you have strong market knowledge and the ability to find deals, working in acquisitions for a syndicator or a real estate private equity shop could be a good fit. 

LOne common strategy is doing a cash-out refinance on one of your rental properties to tap into the equity.

The issue always boils down to equity.

Would your parents consider selling to you or your siblings at a favorable price instead of gifting it?

Sell and cash in on the equity? 

Build equity while gaining experience as landlords.