If this is for real, I strongly suspect you'll need to be an accredited investor.

I encourage you to define your financial goals, as real estate presents numerous possibilities.Building a strong foundation of knowledge and connections can significantly impact your success in real estate investing.

@Cheng ChuMcKinney is a fantastic market with strong population growth, and it’s a great choice for single-family home (SFH) investments.

Areas near downtown Ventura or the college (Ventura College) are worth exploring for strong tenant demand.

But, they will be in challenging parts of town where realistically you do not want to own property and your long-run returns will under-perform.I'd encourage you to find a balance of sub-market growth, nearby employment, strong income, and only then a good rent-to-value ratio. 

Property values: There is a strong relationship between homeownership and property values.

We've got strong job growth (tech, healthcare, education), stable population growth, strong rental demand, and plenty of value-add opportunities in multifamily.

Starting your real estate journey with a house hack in Austin is a smart move, especially with its strong rental demand and appreciation potential.

If you’re set on a duplex with minimal rehab, an investor focused agent should have a strong network of contractors who can give you quick quotes, so you don’t wind up with any pricey surprises.

Chicago, with its vibrant neighborhoods and strong rental market, is a prime location for this strategy.