But I do not buy bottom barrel properties in bad locations (busy roads, crime, eye-sore views) instead I focus on making a property one that the average modern family will want. 

So relying on 1, 3, 5 mile radius can be misleading because circles can be sloppy.You also have to go on rent comps.  

This is my way of not being forced to rent to the first qualifying party that gets a toe in the door.

I recommend investing in the area where you live and trying out house hacking—it’s a practical way to dip your toes into real estate!

It is when people put the self placed “roadblocks” in front of them and are too scared to dip their toes in.This is something that has been really resonating with me after going to a few 2 and 3 day events from a couple of the local guys in our market recently.It isn’t necessarily the actual tactical real estate that is the hard part, but the bigger challenge is actually believing that we are capable of doing it and taking action towards that.

I go to e invelo website and I have to sign up and pay again?

Like in many other markets, only a minority of owners can get such figures (if they have a special property that they bought at a good price years ago for example) but the average buyer/investor will be sorely disappointed if he/she hopes to reach those figures.

I’m starting to lean more towards private lending as a way to get my toes wet and get my money working for me in a relatively stable way.I’m looking for educational resources or literature.

Hey @Nicholas Dillon, when I first dipped my toes into syndications, I remember feeling the same hesitation.. the returns looked tempting, but something about those shiny numbers made me think twice.

I'm dipping my toes in and if all goes well I look forward to signing more properties over next year.