From what you’ve described, it sounds like you’re more focused on long-term appreciation and future benefits rather than immediate cash flow.

Buying a second home to rent out is a solid strategy, but be sure you understand the cash flow, including mortgage, taxes, and potential vacancies.

  $6k per month and $30,000 to get it going and it cash flowed about $20k a month. 

$400k equity is producing $1600/month cash flow for a return from the cash flow of 4.8%.  

Today’s buyers want spaces that flow naturally and maintain functionality.

If you're looking for cash flowing markets.. a lot of investors, including myself, are looking in cities like Cleveland.

So back to being a real estate investor: the only way to be one is to buy a property and create value out of it, whether through finding a below market value house and selling for a profit, or renting and creating cash flow.  

Quote from @Ryan Daulton: Since learning that cash flow from real estate that was purchased from self-directed IRAs is taxed, and that I would not be able to claim depreciation on this property, what are the advantages to buying real estate with self-directed IRAs vs. other investment types like stocks and mutual funds?  

That’s when I transitioned to multifamily properties—where owning multiple units under one roof maximized cash flow and long-term returns.To support my growing portfolio of fix-and-flips, wholesale deals, and rentals, I started a construction company.

These are areas where you can cash flow in Columbus because the rent-to-price ratio is favorable.