You're in a thriving area there so great chances for long term success!

Our area recently has been labeled an opportunity zone and continues to thrive.

Waco is a beautiful down that continues to thrive, specially with Baylor nearby. 

I would rather get 30% of a syndicated deal and a 6% pref and let the sponsor gets the majority of the equity if he/she has a proven track record - especially if he/she can show thriving (not just surviving) during the Great Recession of 2008-2009.You want to invest with someone who has survived different market cycles...because they'll know how to survive the next Recession (and market cap decompression) which is coming.

I'm fortunate enough to have co-founded a company with two seasoned real estate investors, who thrived during the great recession and have a proven track record, which predicates investor trust. 

That would allow you to put your money to work, thrive in your career, and have the time to dedicate to your family.If you're interested in a more hands-on approach, then as others have mentioned, use the capital as a down payment to buy your own property. 

DFW, Austin, Houston, and even San Antonio are all thriving cities in many aspects, real estate included. 

The lending programs of the SBA give small businesses a chance to grow and thrive.

I don't really have a specific niche that I am looking into at the moment so any input or suggestions would be helpful (but I think most of this is just preference, something I have to continue to explore personally).Quick snippet about me, I have been working for a property tax appeal company for about 9 years(with the exception of the year I took off to move to Greenwich Village Manhattan and did some extensive traveling while one of my companies was thriving).

Houston County (Warner Robins) is thriving running a surplus every year, has a growing population and high end jobs, amazing schools throughout the county, and is constantly developing infrastructure to keep up with the growth.