It's definitely easier to find a cash flowing property in Midwest but I am of the opinion that cashflow in real estate keeps you in the game but appreciation is where you build wealth.

Compare that to Phoenix where I had been to a game just one month earlier.

I'm presently a facilities engineer by trade, who does some construction and maintenance for landlords on the side, hoping to get back into the private real estate game.

These will be LTRs and I will most definitely be playing the long game with these.In addition, as rates go down in the future (hopefully) I plan to refinance as most of us do.

I would get back to local real estate investor meetups so you can connect with locals to the area and kind of get back in the game slowly that way.

I already have land holdings near Everett that will certify out at 304 salable density bonus credits.To play this game, I get certified and then "clip off" the transferable development rights for sale to urban developers in the county, who can cash them in for an increase in dwelling unit density from an original 22 units/acre to 58 units, and building heights from 45' to 75'.

Keeping everyone aligned—lenders, inspectors, attorneys—prevents bottlenecks that could derail the timeline.Lastly, tackling big tasks early (like ordering inspections or raising equity) is a game-changer.

Just keep in mind that entertainment expenses—like taking clients out for a show or a game—aren’t deductible anymore.And, yes, you can deduct 100% of your education expenses if you’re already a real estate investor.

What tools or strategies are you using to stay ahead of the game?

This has been the most successful model I have seen in real estate.This goes 100% against every guru and investor the past 5 years of get rich quick of buy, rehab, rent and refinance with little money - that video game is out of order so the gurus need to reinvest themselves and they are trying with seller financing and zero down.