Live under your means and start thinking about investing in Real Estate.In your position the thought of finding a duplex to house hack, live in one side and rent the other. 

I am just starting out here in South Carolina looking to network meet a community of like-minded individuals. 

Since you're open to markets beyond NYC, you might want to connect with local investor meetups or REI groups in those areas to build relationships with agents, wholesalers, and lenders who understand the nuances of each market.If you're looking to break out of analysis paralysis, maybe start by narrowing down one or two target markets and running numbers on actual deals.

The previous owner started to repair it.Looks a little rough, but we’ll get her all fixed up.

That takes a lot of effort.I'd encourage you to start thinking bigger.

That's annoying they changed it with no warning - Brandon would always talk about all the FREE tools they have on here for newbies to start practicing analyzing properties.

i found in my build projects that started just before and continued through the pandemic prices rose. everything but lumber became sticky IE they rose but did not fall..

You should have already started the eviction process!

This kind of govt nosiness and overreach is why I initially decided against the financial planning industry before starting in credit. you can thank 2008 and all the fraud that went on for that.

Goal would be to acquire 20 rentals by the age of retirement, with some already starting to be paid off.I am in the same boat as you, and I focus on safe appreciation all day (small cash flow for safety and then focused on markets on that appreciate).