Here’s what I recommend:Cash Investments:No Debt, No Stress: With cash, you avoid third-party control and loan vetting, giving you full control of returns.Equity Builders: Partnering with builders often reduces your property entry cost by up to 20% below market value.Consistent 10% Returns: With an all-cash approach, achieving 10% ROI is realistic and efficient.Financing Strategy:If cash isn’t feasible, consider a balanced financing model:40-50% Down Payment: Keep leverage manageable while maximizing returns.Lower Debt Exposure: A conservative loan-to-value ratio (LTV) reduces risks and keeps returns stable.Work with a Builder: Collaboration with builders can lower acquisition costs and increase your ROI.Key Takeaways:If possible, prioritize cash for simplicity, control, and consistent returns.Financing can work well with a disciplined approach to debt and a strong underwriting process.Partnering with builders offers opportunities to reduce costs and enhance your portfolio’s profitability. 

I'm sure there are agents and investors with deeper insights, but for most of us, a consistent, long-term approach—similar to dollar-cost averaging when investing in index funds—seems like the most practical strategy.That being said, I am also interested to hear what others have to say though, so thank you for the post!

Been using them for a couple of years now and still provides consistent results.

Padsplit is a topic of discussion also (STR room rentals), but I think LTR's are a little more consistent with income and a bit less work.

The trade-offs are real, but for consistent cash flow and the right landlord, it can be an excellent strategy.What’s the best way to start?

Might have to look into this...I'm still over here getting a new card for the $200 off of $500 in the first 3 months and borrowing free money for a year lol I've always done cash-back and just make sure I use the card w/ the highest percentage for whatever I'm buying - I think Amazon is 6-7% back (depending how how fast you want it delivered), Wal-mart had a good one (5% back) there but I believe their partnership w/ CapitalOne just ended, Costco has a good one (4% back and I think 7% on gas). 

If you consistently analyze properties, recognizing a good deal will be much easier when it shows up.

With room to enhance its value through upgrades, we saw the opportunity to deliver a strong return while helping revitalize the neighborhood.

So percentage wise Jacksonville has seen a crazy amount of new supply being delivered which has affected rents.We also manage a portfolio of new construction homes in Palm Coast and Palm Bay and rents for those homes have dropped $25-75 depending upon floorplan and submarket and they’re taking longer to lease up compared to 2 years ago.A lot of Florida is having similar issues of stagnating or dropping rent, but it definitely depends on market, submarket, asset type, etc. 

Investing as an LP in syndications/funds can be a great way to gain real estate exposure with minimal time commitment.It's key to invest with the right sponsor that has track record of delivering returns (ideally been through at least one downturn).