New builds-broke even in the '08 market on two spec homes, built my own home from the ground up twelve years ago(400k in equity). 

Especially in a more competitive market where the options are plentiful.

Quote from @Marcus Auerbach: Are the markets pricing in an expectation of inflation? 

To start your journey, I recommend focusing on building your network by joining meetups and engaging in online forums, while narrowing down your first investment based on your budget, market, and goals.

See the map below for where these zip codes are located.Note: The following charts only include properties in the above zip codes that generally match our property profile: single-family homes featuring 3-4 bedrooms, 2-3 bathrooms, 2-3 car garages, 1,100 to 2,400 square feet of living space, 1 or 2 stories, and lot sizes ranging from 3,000 to 6,000 square feet, built on or after 1985.Appreciation10-Year $/SF by Zip Code 2015-01-01 to 2024-12-31From the above charts, these zip codes appear to appreciate the fastest among our target areas (based on annualized growth rate)89032 (North Las Vegas), 11.0%89015 (Henderson), 10.4%89143 (Centennial Hills), 9.9%89031 (North Las Vegas), 9.8%89138 (Summerlin), 9.4%89141 (Blue Diamond, Southern Highlands), 9.4%89128 (Summerlin), 9.3%89123 (Silverado Ranch), 9.1%89129 (Northwest), 9.1%5-Year Pre-COVID $/SF by Zip Code 2015-01-01 to 2020-03-01The COVID market frenzy and the subsequent dramatic rate hikes significantly distorted price and rent trends.

They have a few markets and we chose Memphis as our first property. 

Lastly funding developer who has 3 subdivisions going in WA DC market. these are big time deals and with our funds for the soft costs  500 k to 1 mil on each project my client is going to make  sit down  but probably over 10 million net  life changing money and well we will do good too !!

However, I made the decision when interest rate was lower and there was support for an appreciating real estate market.

Are there any particular markets or investment strategies you’re leaning toward?

We both live in MI and my current plan is to invest in single- and multi-family in solid, path-of-progress neighborhoods in metro Detroit, and also get some larger SFH's in the more expensive market where we live and do rent-by-the-room/co-living.