Quote from @Melanie Baldridge: Why I like investing in real estate more than 401(k)s.Both offer tax deferrals, but here's the difference:If you're making pre-tax contributions to your 401(k), then withdrawals = ordinary income tax.With real estate gains, you're paying capital gains tax (which is typically lower).Plus, RE investors get:1.

I believe in putting in the work—1,000 hours of research, testing, and learning—before offering advice, and I’m excited to tap into the collective wisdom of this community to refine my approach.Here’s where my head is at: I’m considering strategies like short-term rentals (Airbnb) for higher cash flow, long-term rentals for steady income, or even creative options like house hacking or partnerships to stretch the funds further.

Each market has an average over list price of offers they were getting back in 2022 or during COVID times.

If in your shoes I think I'd call sellers bluff and put em against the wall of it via how I construct the purchase offer.

We are out of state but would be open to working with someone local if they can offer favorable terms.2) Any local realtors you have worked with and been happy with?

Offer a great first-stay experience with thoughtful touches like welcome gifts and clear communication to earn those initial positive reviews.For Big Bear’s rules, stay on top of local ordinances—maybe even connect with other hosts for advice.

@Heather Luu first, make it more efficient by only worrying about deadbolts.There is actually very LITTLE additional protection a lock handset offers in addition to a deadbolt.On the properties we manage, we remove all keyed doorknobs and just use passage locks. 

great advice provided - what I will add to this is if you have smokers and its not allowed I would offer to allow them out of the lease with no penalty. 

She is offering to refinance one of her homes that is completely paid off.

Last but not lease, start writing offers and don't get stuck in analysis paralysis.