All Cash Flow Vehicles High Dividend StocksStock OptionsMortgage NotesReal Estate Debt InvestingLong Term RentalMid Term RentalHigh Yield Savings AccountI had the same amount after I sold off most of my rental properties and paid everything off, now I do all the above. 

This isn't my specialty but just my high level understanding.

@Alecia Loveless Also with a good job, doesn’t have to be high paying just has to be consistent and long term.

The downsides can include high minimum investments ($50K+) and just learning how to vet syndicators, but you can knock out both by joining a real estate investment club.

Home prices are high here so I'm really leaning towards investing out of state or in a different part of Florida to create cash flow vs. buying a personal residence and starting my savings over from scratch to invest.Don't get me wrong, I really want to buy a place of my own that I can live in but the math is making a bit more sense to me if I invest first.

. $60/month is high even for cable internet.

I would definitely get another quote for the work as that sounds high but would be a permanent solution in place with peace of mind moving forward. 

I highly recommend that you read The ABCs of Real Estate Investing by Ken McElroy.

if not... i'd say stay local to Canada 'cash flow' is very, very tough right now with interest rates and prices both high

That means that I keep reserves of $10k to $20k and I make my deductible as high as possible (something like 5% of the RCV or $20,000).