It can also be used to preserve assets acquired before marriage or planned for separate personal goals.

@Edward Suess-HassmanTo make sustainable investments, set clear goals, research markets outside the Bay Area, consider creative financing, learn from others, build a strong team, and use educational resources.

My goal is to find a cash-flow-positive rental property that I can manage while finishing my degree, setting the foundation for a real estate portfolio I plan to grow steadily over time.

Proceeds could be reinvested in better-performing assets across multiple doors.Our goal is to build appreciation over cash flow, acquiring 1-4 doors/year to allow my wife to retire by 50.

For your next steps, focus on identifying areas in Northeastern PA with strong rental demand and property values that align with your cash flow goals.

Nailing down a buy box in the area, funding, and having a plan will come out of absorbing a ton of knowledge and narrowing down to what makes the most sense to you, what fits your life, and what fits your goals the best. 

It all depends on what your goals are. 

My personal opinion is that any time is the right time to invest if you can find opportunities that meet your Return on Investment goals.

@Justin BradburyTo kick off your path in real estate investing, you need education, networking, setting goals, analyzing deals, and starting small.

Also things like culture fit, company goals, etc.