Understand the multi-family market, scale up portfolio efficiently, focus on value-add opportunities, build a reliable team, stay informed, and engage with the community for support.Good luck!

As you embark on this adventure, it's important to equip yourself with knowledge and a solid strategy.

A strong team can streamline processes and reduce headaches.Expand Knowledge: Podcasts and forums like BiggerPockets are great tools.

So for example, let's say a friend of mine wants to get involved in real estate but doesn't have the time, knowledge, experience, or resources to do it very well.

Purchasing a “distressed” property and “repositioning” it requires significant capital for improvements, build outs, holding costs, maintenance.In looking for that “needle in a haystack” slam dunk great deal you’re competing with very knowledgable, greatly experienced investors with the cash to make no contingency offers and close in a few days.  

Also, for those whose BUSINESS (as opposed to just investment) is STR, they can scale successfully while their experience and knowledge of the industry may allow them the opportunity to uncover and recognize those few opportunities that will provide a much higher than market risk adjusted ROI. 

If you don't fall within that category a knowledgeable local real estate agent can be an excellent resource.

Stay away from these guys.

Who else would have the knowledge to lead others than a 33 year old former football player; who wrote a book that is being hocked by Bigger Pockets.Maybe you can get Nails (Lenny Dykstra) to write a book that BP can sponsor? 

So choice is staying stock market and making 15%-20% or buying property and MAYBE breaking even.