My target markets are NY and CT, but I’m definitely open to expanding my horizons.Since most friends and family members are hesitant about real estate investing, I'm on the lookout for a mentor who can guide me through this journey and potentially partner with me along the way.If you have any advice or know someone who might be willing to help me get started, please let me know!

I did just broker a .9% deal I sold off market in Chicago and this is a good area with $1400+ rents a unit so making friends with realtors and having them send you stuff before hits MLS is an option too.

Not to mention my Japanese friends who are in college all have cheap apartments by the college because they don't want to wake up at 5 am for a 2-hour commute to school.

@Osvaldo GuerraAustin, TX, is a popular destination for small multifamily properties due to its booming economy, strong rental markets, and family-friendly environments.

Getting into REI as a way to leave the rat race and live a more family and friend filled life.

@Sureen HariTX has high property taxes and CA has tenant friendly laws.

When I used to do this, my money friend provided all the money, I provided everything else, everything.

Mind you the land lording laws are not as friendly in NY state but I think you'll have a better shot at finding what you are looking for in NY. 

Private money lending typically comes from individual investors or friends and family, often based on personal relationships and trust, and can have more flexible terms.

Sure it can be a write off, but my question is if it is the highest and best use of your time (or the given employees time) to be running a skid steer - transporting it, storage, maintenance, cleaning, etc, and if it still makes sense if you need to hire someone to run it for you and take care of the other things.Add up all those recurring costs - maintaining the machine, maintaining the trailer, having a large enough truck to tow it, insurance and registration for all of the above, your time or your employees time related to all of the above...even at $14k a year it might be attractive enough to keep paying that and having them drop it off at the job site for you.A brand new machine could easily cost you over 6 figures - that's 7 years of rentals at $14k/year before including all the holding costs.