I'd be interested in owning a single family home in the area I am concentrated in just to see how that plays out one day.  

A and B neighborhoods typically don’t produce much cash flow and are more of an appreciation play—something the city has been seeing quite a bit of over the past decade.

As an investor in a market where cash flow does not come often and appreciation is a bigger play, I understand your mindset. 

So, I consider credit a little more pragmatically.

If you’re newer to real estate, role-play scenarios with a mentor or colleague.

Should I play harder and get into land development?  

If you want to play a passive role, a real estate syndication or debt fund could be a great way to go.

Better play it safe and use a warranty deed instead.Also, later on when you sell your property, it will keep the chain of title cleaner for the next title insurance.Last but not least, a warranty deed does not cost more than a quit claim deed...

With a 3-5% down FHA loan, I snagged a cozy home in a hot spot, worked from home to play handyman, and created a hedge against the "what-ifs" of life.

This one will cash flow a little when we move out but it was a bit more of a long term play for us (5-10) years, so we need the time to make it worth it.