Depending on your experience and strengths, you could also consider a) partnering with other active investors with different expertise areas or b) passive investing.

I simply think that property management for landlords may not be their best strength.

Residential (1-4 units) is almost completely dependent on the financial strength of the individual borrower(s) (income, credit score, debt/equity etc).

As these markets begin to gain strength from supply of empty space being absorbed, job growth and population growth will again propel these markets.Real estate value investors are presented with inefficient markets when the prices drop below rising strong fundamentals.Find Inefficient MarketsMarket forces drive real estate prices higher or lower than intrinsic values.

Make a list of your strengths and weaknesses... be brutally honest with yourself.Get on every wholesalers list you can.Get plugged in to your local real estate investment club.Read Bigger Pockets till your eyes bleed, Try to figure out what ONE or TWO methods of investment will work best based on your strengths.

Brick only has a thin veneer of strength on the outside, and once its gone its gone

Play towards his strengths as a person.  

Stay the course, know your strengths and absolutely know your weaknesses.

The fact is, it is not easy, though it is not rocket science either.Pick a strategy that fits your goals, abilities, and strengths.

Put yourself in a position where you can expose your strengths.