Distressed properties listed on market for $195k, price reduced to $179k, getting an email from a wholesaler who has it listed for $158k... so clearly it's worth a lot less.

I’m just not sure if my first REI should tie up my money in a long term asset (appreciation) vs investing in a quicker ROI (fix&flip, BRRRR, wholesale, or simply cashflow)The typical down payment in Denver metro for single family is around 80k (which I don’t have in liquidity).  

Id be real careful with wholesalers bc you are getting to the point where there will be a temptation to deal with them. 

I’d love to hear more Unless you want to Wholesale, there are two main categories that then break down to smaller categories, subsets, and hybrids, which are acquiring rentals or doing flips. 

It could be through wholesalers, agents, networking with sellers yourself, etc.

It's a great place to network and meet agents, lenders, wholesalers, attorneys, etc.

If the buyer did not close or fulfill the obligation then seller could potentially sue for damages - see this more often in wholesale deals.

It highlights that you are a new investor and local to the property.If you are a wholesaler, explain the process and show them what funds you will use to buy or hold the property. 99% won't do this.

some wholesale, but mostly buy and rent to own.

That might be directly from a seller or a wholesaler or from some kind of auction. 2.