Started with the flip business 2 years ago and going strong. id say start by practicing comps in your area, learn your market and go to real estate meetups.

Build a strong team with experienced lenders, real estate agents, and property managers, and educate yourself through books and podcasts.

Hey Rafael, as someone who's been investing in Florida for 20 years, especially in Tampa, I'd say you can’t go wrong with focusing on this market—it’s got strong appreciation, great rental demand, and tax-friendly opportunities.

I’ve built strong relationships with local agents and other investors in the Hamptons, which helped me discover this off-market property.

Strong rental markets with low vacancy rates are ideal for long-term holds, while areas with high ARV growth are great for flips.

It sounds like you’ve been doing some serious groundwork with all the reading and research, which is such a strong start to your journey toward FI and retiring by 55.It’s awesome that you’re exploring real estate as an option, even if you’re not completely sold on being a landlord yet.

Hold for Long-Term IncomeBuffett has held AMEX for nearly 60 yearsHeld Coca-Cola for 35+ yearsSimilar to buy-and-hold real estate strategiesFocus on Cash Flow GrowthBoth AMEX and Coke have consistently increased dividendsJust like raising rents over time in quality propertiesLook for MoatsAMEX: Strong brand and network effectsCoca-Cola: Unbeatable brand powerLike owning property in irreplaceable locations💡 The Real Estate AdvantageWhile Buffett mastered dividend investing, real estate investors can do even better because:We can use significant leverage safelyWe control our asset's improvementWe get superior tax advantagesWe can force appreciation through improvementsWhat do you think, BiggerPockets community?

These areas tend to have more affordable properties compared to central Phoenix and still offer strong rental demand and appreciation potential.

If this is for real, I strongly suspect you'll need to be an accredited investor.

Start small with strategies like house hacking, leveraging your hands-on skills for value-add properties, and building a strong team or network to reduce risks.