We have 60 rentals12 air bb units, Ohio  and Fla. 15-20  flips and wholesales, between buy and sell close at any point. 

I am looking into this also to run my small 17 unit resort, looking at several apps.

If you're willing and able, I do recommend the "house hacking" strategy which is just a fancy name for buying a rental property and living in one of the units, because you'll get very favorable financing - an owner-occupied fixed-rate 30-year mortgage.I'd also say, analyze that property as if you won't live there and it's a pure rental, and make sure the property is still cash flow positive if there's a tenant in your unit because then you'll know if it's actually a good investment.And when you analyze it, include payment of a property manager in your #s because if you don't, and doing so would make it go cash flow negative, then you've just bought yourself a job because you literally can't step away from managing it without losing money.

I don’t know if I should invest in the Jersey market and put maybe 20-50% down on something, make less cash flow and make more appreciation, or every two years or so maybe buy something fully cash (my own $) in the Midwest let’s say 5-10 units and make more cash flow with no debt as with the income I make I can just save and buy more, don’t necessarily need to leverage in some markets.

Managing units is work.  

Although I did buy 37 doors in two props this fall  but its the first time i tried MF  and it was unique circumstances.   27 unit we bought for at least a million under market so turn around refi pull cash out and let me partner run it.. 

.• In 2010, I moved out and decided to put in in service as a rental unit.• I was able to keep it well occupied and leased throughout 2024.• I sold the condo unit in late 2024 for a nominal profit.That brings us to today. 

For example we pay our own income taxes, broker splits and all of our other expenses directly out of what we make including required E&O insurance, MLS dues, licensing fees, Board of Realtor dues, continuing education costs, marketing, advertising, office fees/rent, transaction coordinator/ assistant fees, health insurance, car insurance and maintenance, gas, tires, software, retirement fund, etc.We are not W2 employees with payroll taxes already taken out of our paychecks, company-paid health insurance and matching retirement account plus a guarantee of at least 40 hours paid work per week, sick pay, paid vacation… none of that.So if you’re thinking you’ll be able to pay an hourly wage typical of a W2 hourly employee like $50-85/hr… that’s definitely not going to work.

I have used united granitethey are in willow brook- more south west burbs but i’m sure he would travel. my guy is Oswaldo- DM me for contactyou gotta go to the warehouse to pic out your stone and he doesn’t do demohe charges $200 to provide the sink which is a deal i highly recommend

Investment Info:Small multi-family (2-4 units) buy & hold investment.