It could be some sort of skill set for renovations, design for furnished rentals, specific market knowledge, owner occupied loan products for a house hack, etc. 

I do think house hacking and small multifamily are the best plays at the moment. 

Hi Jeff, as everyone has mentioned, I would suggest house-hacking a 2-4 unit if you have the means.

I am new to real estate investing, and is considering house hacking a property for my first deal.

Are you house hacking one of them?

For a first time investor, I definitely recommend house hacking for most people as homeowner loans are by far the best in terms of rate and LTV. 

Their advantages include house hacking which includes better finance options and hustle.My last purchase was so large cash negative that the rents were $3k less than PITI.  

I made tons of mistakes on my second house hack and I still came out ahead.

@Jaxin Piercestart with a house hack."

If you're tax bill is $6-8k (minus the 1031 fees), surely you can make that up by taking multiple swings over a longer period of time.OR pursue some sort of owner occupied strategy with that cash if you can swing a live in flip or house hack.