@Jon GormanI suggest a blend of dividend aristocrat stocks, a managed fund (BRK.A and B), and a real estate syndicate with a reputable operator.

Exploring investing in Philly center city condos for long/short term (Airbnb) rentals (thinking probably a blend).

Typically our events are a nice blend of investors of all skill levels, contractors, agents, and many other professions with real estate ties.I personally have had my entire life changed for the better from networking and hearing other's stories and exchanging value with each other and it is something that you will do for the rest of your life.If you were interested in checking out our events, we have a Facebook page called "Pints and Properties - New England", as well as an email notification list that I could put you on if you would like!

You want to stand out, not blend into the sea of agents in your market.

I'd rather keep my 2.5-4% interest rates on a majority of the debt and access the equity with a HELOC at a higher rate, essentially creating a blended interest rate of 20% variable, 80% fixed.

So even though it is more difficult to find lucrative cash flow ROI these days, the 1031 lets's you upgrade into a much higher blended IRR return. 

I personally want a blend of both in my portfolio.

Many investors choose to begin blending property loans with commercial lenders at some point as they grow. 

@Dave Meyer I subscribe to a lot of research as well as local sources, plus track how my team is doing in the market - for example how many offers per listing and then blend that all toghether for my monthly market update (BTW your great work is also an important reference point for me).

Even with my blended private money rate avg of 5.4% I can cf with a .7% deal, too.