When tenants request you install it.Landscape-$5K yard can be drought tolerant water wise.

My risk tolerance is high but I also want to be smart about it. 

@Michael EngIt's all about personal risk tolerance and math.If you're going to be there for a long time, then it's worth it.If you're going to flip it, it's not.If it's going to cost you a couple points to get a sweet deal where you're going make you a ton of money, is it worth it? 

If you want safer investments, you give up a greater potential reward.Betting on appreciation in the future is a lot riskier than analyzing current cash flow and making an investment based on that, but it could end up with a much greater return as your family friend noticed.It all comes down to what is your risk tolerance, and what are your goals.

Regarding software systems, I have picked up what makes my life easier and pay for that as well.I also found that a W-2 position/salary is more readily accepted by lenders AND satisfies my risk tolerance against starving while learning/starting (part of many commission-based sales jobs) AND is still a major source of my income.

It is a matter of risk tolerance regardless of when you invest.

However, as many have already stated, it depends on your goals, risk tolerance, and experience among other considerations specific to his/her situation. 

I disagree with the previous poster initially but realize that it is all dependent on your risk tolerance, personal finances, and overall strategy.  

It really depends on what your risk tolerance and time horizon is. 

So neither strategy is right or even better than the other it boils down to who you are and your risk tolerance.