Looking at this mathematically, if you assume a 50% non-renewal rate (industry standard) and use the low end of the range of $5,000 per non-renewal, there is a loss of $50,000 per year on a 20 unit property.

Or the house construction industry in general where they build for $X and sell for $X+margin?

I'm starting to realize that investing is something I want to consider learning for long term as I spend more time in this industry.

Though I would caution you on hard money lending until you understand the industry a bit better, that can be very rewarding but you have to be able to do your due diligence on deals because you're turning over your hard-earned money to an individuals project, often a flip. 

A young population plus a growing industry makes for good long term investments, but unless you are really scaling the cashflow can be hit or miss. 

I'm Igor - a revenue management expert with over 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry.

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).

I know that I will need a good realtor on my team that understands not just the market but the real estate investment industry itself.

It can be in the real estate industry, property management, construction, lending etc.

The more properties you walk and the more industry conversations you have, the better you’ll get at identifying these opportunities.