Are any of you investing in markets across the country that have attainable returns for your upfront cash??

Aidan - thanks ..contact a lender that is local and  begin the  process ....FHA  pre approval  is  the same as " conventional " loan  pre approval .....fyi - you will want to  avoid  FHA if possible  as the mortgage insurance  on these loans is  permanent  whereas  conventional loans allow the mortgage insurance to be dropped  once  ample equity is attained ....also there are soem conventional programs  that allow as little as 3% down payment ( as compared to FHA requiring 3.5% down payment )

The bigger problem for a new investor with ample cash is they do dumb deals.

Am I wise to invest in this 401K while I still can (before getting into real estate, OR am I better off aggressively investing up to $40K per year in real estate rental properties until I have attained financial Independence?

Am I wise to invest in this 401K while I still can (before getting into real estate, OR am I better off aggressively investing up to $40K per year in real estate rental properties until I have attained financial Independence?

They have ample time to read everything.

Equity tends to build fastest on the coasts as the appreciation is higher there, and cash flow tends to be more easily attainable in the Midwest since property prices are considerably lower than on the coasts.

Man you made my dream sound attainable!

Started with tax liens, since the list is readily attainable before and after work.   

Since you are in BK progress, make a plan to restore your financial situation with small short term attainable goals.