It’s not just appreciation that makes a property a good buy 3-5 years down the road it is a strong rental area, mechanicals, and rental friendly flooring, yard, etc.I have a client that has bought 14 units in 6 months he was not waiting for a home run, just good fundamentals and good rental attributes.

@Chris Munichiello The fundamentals that caused the last crash simply aren't in play now. 

What do you think about starting with something small to limit your risk while learning the fundamentals and rhythm of real estate investing?

@Klaycon Santos - I'm not an expert but have used a few hard money lenders and the two big factors are going to be the fundamentals of the deal itself, and your reserves/experience/ability to pay.  

However, I think that discipline, networking, and thinking deeply and critically about goals and how to get there, while assessing risk is fundamental for success.

The fundamental accounting equation is:Assets = liabilities - Shareholders EquitySo, it's both!

Until the stock market tops out and the rent/value fundamentals break down.

There are larger teams than that which will help you with listing presentations and fundamental RE skills that you would not have gained from being completely independent from the start. 

So either you want people to dress you up with compliments about how hard you work, or you don’t understand fundamental real estate concepts, all while managing 30 units....Something tells me you know what you’re up to here, Compadre.Advice: find a property manager and stop pretending you’re the only one that can run your properties well.

This is the fundamental problem I have with Wall Street who takes too much fees off the hard-working efforts of the middle class.