.: Thank you, everyone, for your advice!

You’ve gained valuable experience from your first duplex and are now approaching real estate with a strategic mindset

Positive Home Value Growth ForecastWhile the pace of home value appreciation is expected to moderate, Zillow forecasts a 2.8% increase in Buffalo’s home values for 2025, indicating continued market strength.In summary, Buffalo’s combination of strong job growth, relative affordability, limited housing inventory, strategic location, and positive home value forecasts solidify its status as the nation’s hottest housing market for 2025.

I’ve visited every other property I’ve considered in the past, so this is uncharted territory for me, and it feels a little out of my comfort zone.I’m considering putting it under contract sight unseen to lock it up, but I don’t want to make a rookie mistake here.I'm looking for some advice here.

If you’re strategic about locations, management, and financing, STRs can still offer decent returns in the right market.I totally agree that it’s not all sunshine and rainbows in real estate right now, but if you’re strategic—especially with tax savings and a long-term focus—real estate can still be a viable option alongside other investments.I agree with everything you said but it’s also important to consider the Time component.

There is life stages to investing, and the math is clear that strategic debt use, strategic leverage, pyramiding, appreciation, is the wealth generator. 

Quote from @Keegan Darby: Hi BP - I’m seeking advice on a property I own. 

Thank you for the advice James and Drew.

Assuming:40 hours: W2 job56 hours: Sleep21 hours: Basic daily tasks= 51 hours potential REI time💡 Pro Tip: It's not about finding time; it's about allocating the time you have strategically.🎯 Your 6-Month Timeline:Month 1: Foundation (5-7 hours/week)Morning routine: 1 hour daily market researchEvening routine: Deal analysis practiceWeekend: BP forums & networkingKey Goal: Analyze 10 deals on paperMonth 2: Education (8-10 hours/week)Complete 1 RE courseJoin 2 local REI groupsSchedule lunch breaks with agentsKey Goal: Build your initial power team listMonth 3: Systems (10-12 hours/week)Set up deal tracking systemCreate document templatesEstablish banking relationshipsKey Goal: Ready to make offersMonth 4: Lead Generation (12-15 hours/week)Drive neighborhoods after workWeekend open housesSetup automated MLS alertsKey Goal: Generate first 5 qualified leadsNow, the Owners and Brokers you deal with may not enjoy this, but you can certainly "practice" making offers.  

Opinions and advice are welcome.