That's why many businesses just close instead of being sold.Real estate investing provides a lot more creative angles than the stock market, but on a conceptual level, nobody would seriously attempt to replace their W2 income in a few years by investing a few thousand dollars in the stock market.

STRs can bring great returns but are higher risk and more hands-on, like small-cap stocks, while long-term rentals are stable and predictable, like large-cap investments.

In the latter case, I would still use QB to enter info provided by the 3P servicer and to maintain my general ledger for the lending business.

My point being, having a reliable team here is a must.Dialing in on what class neighborhood and what kind of property you want is as key as your metrics, especially given that much of our housing stock is ~125 years old --- at least in the city.

Theyre expensive, but you wont lose your home to foreclosure unless you move out, stop paying taxes/insurance, or fail to maintain it. 

Typically if demand increases and supply is maintained prices go up. 

A global trade war is seen as the biggest observable risk for 2025, followed by a tech stock plunge and concerns over inflation and bond yields14.

Thanks @Paul B.The "Stocked Pond" is what interest me.

Leverage and invest at 40x $100 000 properties ($20k down + $5k closing cost, 30 yeas fix rate loan) with a return of 10% where you have better asset protection (my keeping lower equity and higher bank position), you are hedge against inflation (agree with me, in 30 years $1 000 000 purchasing power will be less compare than $1 000 000 today) Here is how looks mathematically:1. 10% on $1 000 000 (10x $100 000) = $100 000 / annually - No interest tax deduction- No loan paydown benefit2. 10% on 1 000 000 (40x $100 000) = $400 000 / annually - debt service + full tax benefits+ loan pay down+ hedge against inflation for 30 years+ better asset protection (by maintaining lower equity  position)   + (not guaranteed of course) if appreciation happens, it happens on the all full asset amount, example:If appreciate 10%:In case "1" you will have 10% on $1 000 000 = $1 100 000In case "2" you will have 10% on all 40x properties (40x $100 000 = 4 000 000) = $1 400 000As far as cash flow, as long you buy "right" CAP 8% and higher you will have stronger cash flow on leveraged asset + all additional benefits.

.• Use some equity from the sale to make this transition smoother.I’m torn between maintaining our current home as an asset and buying  a new smaller house to use as a rental after we move back in versus simplifying and focusing on a single upgraded property Considering factors like market trends, potential equity growth, and quality of life, which path do you think would be most beneficial?