What I mean by this is the entire game of REI has now vaulted into the top 10-20% of W2 folks, but really the top 5% mainly the top 1-3%.

Randy  Thank you for sharing such valuable information—utilizing RentecDirect.com for streamlined tenant management and having go-to vendors for efficiency sounds like a game-changer.

Rel estate investing is a long term game.

You can hire an agent just to show and be a body if they are willing, While its not perfect, ChatGPT is a great tool to ask initial questions and get a launching pad (always verify what it tells you)  - @Drew Sygit - Good point about getting someone to help you with screening if they dont have any "skin in the game" so to speak.

What follows will probably sound somewhat pessimistic - but I put it out there for your consideration...Understand that your journey will be a long one, as real estate is usually not a get rich quick game.  

Important metrics will be population growth and job growth diversity (avoids boom bust industry like mining or oil), population growth, new construction, and I look at median home price growth and rent growth. 

Adam, I am vaguely interested in BRRRR to vacation rental in cottage country to play the long term appreciation game.

And yes, there has been some good appreciation.But you're late to the game in most places (e.g.

If you do these five things consistently and immediately, you will get out of analysis paralysis and into the game much quicker than watching Instagram Reels and TikTok videos.If you are experienced and want to weigh in on which ones here you like and dislike, let's go.

Hopefully, there will be a renewed push then, but for now, it's all a waiting game.