Looking for a great balance of cash flow and appreciation in a growing market with solid fundamentals?

You also mentioned fundamentals.

There is a lot you need to know to be a successful investor and landlord and while nothing beats doing it -  as the best way to learn - you really need to have a good understanding of the fundamentals and the ins and outs.

@Randy AchiTo start flipping houses, learn fundamentals through books, podcasts, and online courses, build a network, start small, and practice repairs.

With a strong desire to learn, I’m focused on acquiring the skills needed to make strategic investments and build generational wealth through real estate.I’m is eager to dive into the fundamentals of the industry, from property evaluation to cash flow management, and is excited to learn from the experienced mentors and peers.Welcome to the community!

There is fundamentally zero need for a bank to entertain a bid on an NPN from street level investor.  

The other advice is to pick the the market that has the best fundamentals.

Real estate is going to be more rate and supply driven, than election driven.Equities will be election spurred(in the short term) but fundamentally earnings driven in the near term.

The question of all-cash or use financing, which is "better, is a fundamentally flawed question. 

I don't recommend buying in the same market over the course of a number of years because market fundamentals are constantly changing, but you certainly can for a while.