Here are some quick stats to consider:Tangible Asset: Real estate is a physical asset you can see and touch, which can provide peace of mind.Cash Flow: About 33% of homeowners rent out their properties, generating consistent income through rent.Appreciation: Real estate appreciates by about 3-5% per year, while the stock market averages around 10% but with more volatility.Tax Benefits: Investors enjoy deductions on mortgage interest, property taxes, and depreciation.Control: You can actively manage and improve your property to increase its value.Just take it step by step, and you might find real estate is less risky than it seems.

If you pay down $100K in loan saving you $1K in monthly costs against rental income, or you invest that $100K in something that generates $1K in net income the result is similar.

Jay thanks for the tip, it helped in searching and learning about "lead generators" in the fine print in lending and what means.

Every day I mark how many calls to leads I made, how many people I contacted (and was it email, call, text) from my database/past clients....how many social media posts I answered or made, etc.I don't know if that's automating, but every week I can quickly see how much of each money generating thing I did.Do you use Google Calendar? 

Investing in a property that’s already renovated, rented, and professionally managed could allow you to start generating passive income immediately without the added expenses of house hacking.What’s most important for you in this first deal—cash flow, appreciation, or long-term stability?

As a rental strategy for non owner occupants, it absolutely is a fantastic way to generate the highest return, that's true.....but also, and most importantly, your screening has to be on point, and without that, it won't be as effective because one bad roommate can ruin the environment for the other roommate tenants. 

FlashlightTape measure/Laser measurePaper/Pen/iPadBinocularsReceptacle testerLevelMarbleDroneRespirator/Face Mask/Eye Protection/GlovesAQI testerWater pressure gaugeThermal cameraEndoscope cameraKnife Good list, in addition in my truck; ohm meter, megger, magnehelic, steel ball, air compressor  generator, plus stuff I'm forgetting

I see many situations where one generation wants to buy out a prior generation or, more typically, siblings.

Over the last year, I've developed a passion for real estate and want to be able to use it to generate income and secure financial freedom in the long run.

Since rental losses are typically passive, the best way to offset W-2 income is through Real Estate Professional Status (REPS) (750+ hours) or Short-Term Rentals (STRs) (100+ hours and more time than anyone else managing the property), which allow real estate losses, including depreciation, to offset active income.A cost segregation study accelerates depreciation, generating large upfront deductions.