@Michael Quarles I can honestly say that I've never gotten any solid business from postcards.

You need to have a solid goal (write it down) to buy a property of your own.

I’m an investor and student of the game when it comes to building passive income and a solid portfolio.

For a newbie investor, if you’re comfortable with the process and ready to manage the administrative side, Section 8 can be a solid option.

I appreciate your insight on starting with a fourplex, house hacking, and the importance of building a solid foundation early.

Without those benefits, I think I'd just stick the the stock market...easier, simpler, longer history, solid returns over the long term... 

Quote from @Brandon Blackmon: @Bruce Woodruff 100% the answer I'm looking.... a solid GC, has a 20-25% markup to I would for sure know going into this that these are private companies and they can set their own fees. 

@Nick ConnorsIt’s great that you’re using your savings to invest early, and Columbus could be a solid market given your familiarity.

You can get solid cash-flowing single families in the 90-120k price range and duplexes in the 130-180k price range.

The risk of "piercing the veil" applies more to LLCs when personal and business finances are not properly separated, not necessarily to individual landlords renting a portion of their home.A more practical approach is ensuring you have a solid lease agreement, sufficient liability insurance (including an umbrella policy), and properly reporting rental income and deductions on your tax return (Schedule E).