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.

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

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. 

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

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 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.

See the chart from Fair Isaac Company (FICO) below: FICO Score Pct of Population Default Probability 800 or more 13.00% 1.00% 750-799 27.00% 1.00% 700-749 18.00% 4.40% 650-699 15.00% 8.90% 600-649 12.00% 15.80% 550-599 8.00% 22.50% 500-549 5.00% 28.40% Less than 499 2.00% 41.00% Source: Fair Isaac CompanyAccording to this chart, investors should use corresponding vacancy+tenant-nonperformance factors of approximately 5% for Class A rentals, 10% for Class B and 20% for Class C.To address Class C payment challenges, many industry "experts" are now selling programs to newbie investors about how Section 8 tenants are the cure.

Invelo is a true all-in-one solution for real estate investors, built with industry-proven best practices.

@Carlos C.Mark Kohler is well respected in the industry.