It might be helpful to narrow down your options by focusing and researching for markets with strong rental demand, growing job markets, and property prices that fit within your budget.

To address this I took detailed pictures from beginning to end of my most recent flip, documenting that we did a thorough job using quality materials.   

Quote from @Paul Gupta: Hi, in California, For jobs requiring a license, there was CSLB (contractor state licensing board) which would give either a General Contractor license, or specialty licenses by trade (~60 specialties such as concrete, welding tile, ) https://www.cslb.ca.gov/about_us/library/licensing_classific...My Q: does Maryland and DC area have similar requirements? 

I recognize there are other ways I could invest this cash (including another property) but I am being mindful of levering myself out too much in the current environment where job losses are more common in my industry (tech).

@Paul Shannon Great job asking about the fee structure.

This year’s most popular areas are known for being fast-growing cities with plenty of new development, with healthy job growth in Florida and Texas in particular.

I am looking in the greater Austin area, with plans of securing a job and house-hacking a quadplex or triplex.

Hello I am recently looking to get into real estate however my full time job doesn't allow me the time to focus on this career.

I’m also open to exploring short-term rentals, private lending, or passive investing in funds—anything that maximizes returns while keeping risk and time commitments manageable.For context, I’d consider leaving my job if this could become a full-time venture that surpasses my current compensation (low-mid six figures).

Without population growth, your rental income will lag behind inflation, requiring you to find additional sources of income.How long your rental income lasts depends on the job growth in the investment city.Non-government jobs are inherently temporary.