<<< Correct here as well,  again this is tradeoff, it all depends how hands on or hands off you want to be. 

So depending on what your investment goals are and what type of properties (Class A through C/D) and where in the city you want to buy, that can directly impact the level of stability one can find within the market here. 

Because we are dependant, for the most part, on word of mouth recommendations it is vital that our recommendations are valid. 

It will depend on where you are doing your deals and what the liability is that follows you after a sale.

Market might be competitive but there is angles to stand out depending on what you are comfortable and able to handle, such as waiving an appraisal contingency, limitng inspection rights and time frames, closing time frames, allowing seller to stay-post closing, taking on difficult tenants, buying properties that might need repairs, etc.

Quote from @Peter Stewart: A lot of the answer depends on your income, how long it took you to save up that money, and what your risk tolerance is. 

I plan to continue to invest in a mix of both RE syndication and our own rental properties going forward depending on what makes the most sense and offers the best returns. 

So if you go buy a home for yourself you won't be able to do this until the 2 or 4 years is up depending on the loan you use. 

Sometimes, depending on the size of the loan request a board approval is required which could delay the process further depending on how often the board meets. 

Depending on how you use the property, you may benefit from a cost segregation study and bonus depreciation once the property is in service.