Use next 4-6 months to learn by listening, reading and watching how the real estate investment game works.

In my case I was lucky that I still kept half of my portfolio, so didn’t get out of the RE game altogether.

Looking to upgrade my game and speed is of the essence.

Buying with cash is much better in my opinion.Especially for our market.Most investors only use leverage because they "can".There is usually no strategy behind using the leverage.Our price points are so low that most investors just prefer to buy with cash.The price of one of our properties is pretty much a downpayment for any other property in other markets that aren't in the Midwest.Cash deals always offer a much higher return than leverage.Leverage is a risky game for beginners.Learn what you are doing first before borrowing money.Just my opinion for a path that has proved to work for me and our investors.Thanks and happy holidays.

Although I probably get killed on transaction fees which is part of why I am not pulling the trigger (along with lack of time to execute well).There are games you can play for increasing your returns in the stock market (sector rotations, rebalancing, being a good company picker) but you lack operational control. 

So you really need a downpayment + 15k to be in the game.

If I could rewind 7 years, I would’ve personally scooped up another property near downtown...prices were more forgiving back then.All that said, I’m curious..if you were getting back in the game today, would a condo with strong amenities but an unpredictable HOA top your list, or are you eyeing single-families for that full control?

We did quite well in the Timber game in the 90s Owned many thousands of acres of Timberland during that time its a great industry one of the favorite things I ever did beat the heck out of rental houses LOL

If you’re looking to build long term wealth, accumulate assets, take advantage of tax code, and benefit from appreciation, then play the appreciation long game.

The fact of the matter is that real estate is a long game and expenses will come up.