Hey Christine, I might be biased, but you could look into Cleveland, Oh.Here are a few things to consider against investing there:- Slower appreciation compared to some other markets- Harsh winters, which can lead to higher maintenance costs- Many discounted single and duplex might need repairs or updates, especially if the previous owners haven’t kept up with maintenance over the years- Some local regulations to be aware of (nothing crazy, but worth noting when trying to close deals).But there are also some solid reasons to invest in Cleveland:- Affordable properties in the $100K-$300K range- Strong long term rental market due to a high rent to price ratio- Landlord friendly laws overall- Potential for great cash flow- Opportunities for Section 8 tenants- stable market once you have the right team in placeEvery market has pros and cons so it comes down to your budget, risk tolerance, and finding a reliable crew you can trust.

If you like to be risky with your capital maybe try putting it in some index funds, crypto, or stocks that you believe in and understand and then take it out when its made a good return and then use it for the downpayment.  

What are you all seeing in the market right now?

Diversification Beyond the Stock Market: Real estate provides tangible, real-world value that helps hedge against market volatility—a crucial feature when building a resilient retirement portfolio.

You should start with a focus on a 2 unit multifamily property in a market that you can afford to get into. 

Quote from @David Morovitz: I am researching Mobil Home Park funds and seem to keep circling back to Sunrise Capital Investors and Wellings Capital. 

Over priced, layout is awkward, junky neighbors, back on market/under contract multiple times, bad photos, bad timing(got buried from other listings, weather occurrence, etc). 

Then I find out a week ago they sold the property at a loss, ALL my capital is gone, and Ken McElroy goes on his merry way making youtube videos about how much money he is making. 

I have purchased an off-market property from an investor who now wants to sell the rest of his portfolio.

Educate yourself on how to handle marketing, screening, late rent, lease violations, etc.