According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), as of 2023, housing inventory remains 40% below pre-pandemic levels, leading to heightened competition in many areas.To be considered a neutral market, not seller's or buyer's, the specific market center would need to have 6 months of inventory.

Ultimately, your decision should align with your comfort level regarding your finances, personal needs, and the housing market outlook.

It’s a split level house with 2 / 1 on each level, both about 900sqft.

However, I'm now reading Dave Meyer's book Start With Strategy to learn more about whether long-term residential rentals is even the best approach or if I should be looking into other strategies, in light of my overall goal.After Start With Strategy I plan to read Set For Life by Scott Trench, but what other recommendations do you guys have at the strategic level?

But you bring up a good point that supply could be at record levels if demand is matching that same pace.

I’m not sure the size of your garage but I would consider adding a second level above the garage and keeping your garage space.

Aha yeah I dont really trust flippers to do the repairs correctly - Even with my own flip I was tempted to cheap out on it but you always pay for it in the end!

Quote from @Gregory Wilson: This depends on what level of control you can exercise over the W-2 employer.

I am not saying that to brag, the reason I say it is we all wish we could get into real estate at a younger age - but we are all different and depending on your level of risk, sometimes being patient is not a bad thing as its a marathon not a sprint.  

Especially with contractors... my construction consulting team is nationwide so I have a lot of contacts that I trust.