Hyattsville and surrounding areas are more affordable than other parts of the metro. 

As prices increase, fewer people can afford to buy homes, forcing them to rent.

In addition, some of those fire victims can afford to pay top of market price for homes. 

When I see good deals I tend to jump in vs. waiting for this option but I still think this is the best option if you can afford to wait.2) Take out a loan from my 401K. 

A lot of investors based in markets like California and New York are choosing to purchase their investments OOS in the Midwest because of the affordability and numbers making more sense.

I started with $25k and I bought the cheapest distressed 2/1 SFH I could afford. 

I do not know what their price tag is, buy Kohler (Mark Kohler) and his company set up trusts and they are VERY AFFORDABLE and do great work.

Udemy and Coursera have affordable options, and they could help you feel more confident when pitching yourself.It sounds like you’re in a great position to get started.

About me, most of my assets are RE but in another market so I would be diversifying in that market.Potential for appreciation is very uncertain: prices have risen a lot locally lately and are as high as they have ever been, and it’s unlikely higher prices would be affordable by locals.

We aren't the cheapest place but we are affordable for the size and I want to keep it that way.