I have often wondered just how an investor, especially one doing flips like I do, would get by without mls access, because this whole sector of investing is all about getting in for the right price and knowing what the fixed up value REALLY is!

The 4% Rule is what allows you to create that passive income from stocks even when the markets are down, and there’s no doubt that they’re far more diversified than real estate (assuming we’re talking about owning the total market in index funds in some (whether that’s via VTSAX and chill or by buying and holding a portfolio of ~100 stocks across all sectors).I directly compare buying stocks with buying REITs since REITs provide fully passive and diversified investment and their expected returns are without leverage like with index funds.

Houston saw several significant cycles, usually tied to severe downturns in the energy sectors. 

https://www.houston.org/assets/pdf/economy/Employm...The Partnership’s forecast calls for job growth in 14 sectors: manufacturing; wholesale trade; retail trade; transportation, warehousing and utilities; finance and insurance; real estate; business, professionaland technical services; educational services; health care; administrative services; arts and entertainment; accommodation and food services; other services; and government.

Based on your inexperience in the senior housing sector, I recommend you hire an operations consultant. 

However, I would like to do it at MY leisure.

You can then open your Self-Directed IRA at your leisure, and transfer funds from the bank IRA, as well as roll over any funds you may have in other IRAs or old 401(k)s from former employers.Most, if not all Self-Directed IRA custodians allow Real Estate investment, either by direct purchase by your IRA, or purchase via an IRA-owned entity like a single member LLC, LP or corporation.

How competitive is the short term vacationing rental sector if you know?

While design is what flows through my blood, I want real estate to be flowing right there next to it and my plan is to get enough rental properties under my belt in order to build and design my products at my leisure.

The reason why I ask: I really enjoy working in the real estate sector.