Especially in today's high interest rate environment, a low income buyer is usually going to be better off renting than buying.

:)Just kidding.1) Stock market: may want to do this while exploring other options, just make sure funds are easily accessible2) Buy Multi-unit: two basic options:- Buy turnkey: may not cashflow for 3-5 years, depending on your management skills.- Buy someone else's problem: can you fix their problems?

We could make a decent down payment with the 40k, but due to us having little money left over at the end of the month, I'm worried about buying another deal with minimal cash left over after the down payment and not having two mortgages.

Here in Columbus Ohio, you can still find the positive cash flow (aka the 1% rule) and you get amazing appreciation in any real estate you buy.

Considering the area  I am not sure how this poster's LTRs are going, but I own 2 in the area and have helped multiple investors buy and then lease their LTRs in the Buda/Kyle area as well - all are cash flowing.

I intend to buy another multi-family home in 2025, but not sure I would want to move.

Condos can be a nightmare because you’re not just buying a property—you’re buying into whatever financial mess the HOA decides to hand you.That’s why I stick with single-family homes and small multifamily properties—I control my own expenses, my own decisions, and I don’t get blindsided by ridiculous fees.At the end of the day, we’re just seeing the market shift back to something healthier.

I highly suggest working with an investor friendly agent so you don't buy in the wrong locations.I like the west side of Cleveland.

The best combination in my opinion to have your real estate agent income in an S corp to reduce personal income tax (as long as it financially makes sense) and then buy real estate and cos segregate it and take bonus depreciation to offset against your income. 

Would you recommend their realtor team for the buying process or should I look elsewhere?