But the answer for everyone may differ.Here are the personal attributes I see in those able to achieve a higher than market ROI, enough higher to be able to “scale”.1- Knowledge of real estate principles, real estate law and real estate finance2- Minimum 3 -5 years full time, or near full time experience directly related to real estate investing3- Ability to utilize technology for increased efficiency, capacity, and accuracy4- Excellent hired legal counsel and excellent hired marketing help5- Established method(s) of obtaining consistently high QUALITY deal flow6- Ability to manage and choose people who are NOT employees: Attorneys, Appraisers, Mortgage Brokers, Real Estate Brokers, Title Companies, Surveyors, Marketing Specialists, Accountants, Contractors, Consultants, Property Managers7- A VERIFIABLE track record of success8- Ability to identify, analyze, and negotiate a deal that can be “worked” for “enhanced” ROI9- Some type of competitive advantage; for example for me it’s my ability to analyze and identify mortgage loans that are actually less risky than all other lenders believe (on the investing in debt side), and on the real property side it’s my ability to analyze”pull the trigger” with LESS information than other investors need,  combined with the ability to pay cash, or raise significant capital almost instantly as well as being able to obtain loans at the lowest prime customer bank rate with no recourse or personal liability.  

If I hired $75/hr contractors to do my work, I wouldn't have made a penny in real estate.

This is a picture was taken 2 days ago by my contractor in front of my property.So long story short Derek, there are more than just financial returns as to why people invest.  

However, exploring out of state markets could offer stronger cash flow upfront, so it’s worth evaluating both paths.A piece of advice would be to focus on building your core 4  team: agent, lender, contractor, and property manager.

In my opinion, the best agents, appraisers, home inspectors, contractors, lenders will utilize AI as a complement towards their existing businesses to spur greater growth and operational efficiencies.

I then hired contractors for plumbing, electrical, roofing, and HVAC upgrades.

It does not take that many hours to look at a property, sign a contract or even manage tenants.If you are bored in your 9-5 it's time to move on to a job where you learn and get challenged so you can grow.

I then hired contractors for plumbing, electrical, roofing, and HVAC upgrades.

Once the interior was stripped and the infrastructure tested, I brought in commercial contractors to handle critical systems like plumbing, electrical, roofing, and HVAC installation.The house, built in the early 1900s, was originally a coal-burning residence.

The first thing I recommend is to build your CORE 4(Realtor, contractor, attorney, and property manager) on wherever you decide to invest.