Quote from @Jaron Walling: @Kane Spangler There's a since of pressure to build or buy RE in your post.

This does not align with buying most buildings in cash.Once you progress in your investing efforts you may come across more UHNW individuals, family offices and institutions who would take the lower return for limiting risk (all cash deal).

I here in the Netherlands Rotterdam working on renovating a 3 unit building

However, some investors are fine with this strategy if they prefer to minimize their upfront investment and plan to refinance in a few years, especially with potential interest rate cuts from the Fed this year.At the end of the day, it’s all about investing in a growing market, selecting a solid neighborhood, and building a strong team to support you.

I am also a huge fan of real estate and for the past 50 years there's been a way to combine both.By leveraging a Self-Directed IRA, real estate investors enjoy both the traditional advantages of property ownership and the additional tax benefits of retirement accounts, creating a powerful wealth-building strategy.

For new builds and some rehabs they are vented but in some conversions or apartment remodels I will opt for the ventless units.

My idea was I could live there immediately and also do all the minor work that would not require an actual tradesmen, which would allow me to start building equity.

Originally from Africa, I’ve embraced new opportunities to build a better future, and real estate is at the core of my financial freedom plan. 

Build equity while gaining experience as landlords.

We want to purchase a property to begin building our rental portfolio but are unsure of the best approach.We live in Sonoma County, California, and I work in Healdsburg.