I live in the Research Traingle areas and has been aggressively investing in real estate here as well as helping my investor clients invest in the region.

My wife and I have overhauled our personal budget to reflect the 'pay yourself first' approach (allocate in order: income comes in -> invest -> donate -> fixed expenses -> variable expenses -> fun $$).We are looking to see what experienced people generally recommend for a holding tank for that 'invest' allocation while we target our first real estate deal.What financial vehicles have you guys used that works well for this?

Hi @Aaron Raffaelli, you've gotten good advice here as well as some good options.

Exit StrategyResale Planning: Research market trends for optimal selling timing.Long-Term Investment: Consider retaining the property as a rental post-graduation.Marketability: Choose a property with appeal to future students or young professionals.By following these steps, you can make a well-informed decision and ensure a successful investment that benefits both you and your student during their college years and beyond.Peter Derry PHD Properties 

Narrow focus - I know the zip codes I wanted to purchase well.

Locations that are a 0-1 hour car ride from san juan to a nice town/city with more affordable areas walking distance to the beach would be interesting as well. 

If we include investments in mortgage loans (trust deeds), real estate partnerships, REITs as well as direct property ownership, I’m at about 80%.  

This will be the largest bond sale in US history coming up which on top of the debt we are also running as well - if we have so much debt to sell I do not see rates going down, I think they may rise (or stay around where they are at). 

A well written management contract should clearly spell out what is expected of both the PMC and the owner, to PROTECT both and avoid misunderstandings.

He's very active and knows the market quite well.