I'm Chris, cybersecurity professional, and getting into wholesaling in Austin, TX and Northern California (Sacramento, SF/Bay area), all areas I know intimately. 

I avoid investing in rough neighborhoods because I am a professional.

Currently scheduled to close on my first triplex next month and excited to connect with other RE professionals in the area to help me along. 

@Luke Carl That is such solid advice you provided. 

These are professionals with additional training and a stricter code of ethics.

Readers should seek professional advice.

Both @Nathan Gesner and @Lauren Stark have provided valuable insights on this.One potential path for you is to join an established team to gain experience.

This means there may be less competition from professional investors, especially in areas where the demand for owner-occupied homes is strong.In short, if you are just entering the real estate market and don’t yet have the capital to compete directly with investors for multifamily properties, focusing on single-family homes could be a more strategic choice.

Purchasing a property for your child while they attend college can be a strategic investment and a great way to provide them with stable housing.

Just stating that waiting will also likely make the cost of what you want to buy go up if the last 98 years of real estate data provides the future direction.