Considering where I am in my life (early 30's, wife, child and house), this is the strategy that I have chosen to follow in my adventures in REI. 

I've chosen to avoid the whole thing and just keep finding properties off market which I've had success doing thus far.

@Kyle KovatsHI KyleHave you chosen a market first?  

Another thing is your flexibility might help you in your decision as well but when you start out stay fairly close to home and do what is average in your chosen area. 

@Nova MendozaI only invest in Kansas City, that is my chosen out of state market.

And then, there should be regular "oversight" of your assets/portfolio to ensure you should remain in your chosen assets and not "re-allocate".

Gold was cracking a little, I love crypto, did a lifestyle podcast on the topic too.

Don't get too exotic if you want your financing options to be RELIABLE, even if it falls within you and your cousin Joe's chosen made-up interpretations if the below link.Here is the link that is your only ammunition:https://www.fanniemae.com/content/guide/selling/b2...

That market is chosen because it is filled with properties that can generate the minimum cash flow (or profit if flipping) you decide you need (not want) to make.The market analysis you do will give you the answers to the questions you are posing here. 

I have chosen to rent for the next 12 months as I figure out where I want to live.