As for Honolulu, multifamily properties can offer stable returns, especially if you plan to live in one unit.Consider the local economies, job markets, and future development plans in each location.

The biggest advice I can give you is to figure out your own goals, and be specific, so I want to invest in multi family for cash flow for instance is too broad, is your goal to have an investment or a place you enjoy living, those are often in conflict as most multi family tends not to be in the most desirable parts of towns, are you willing to high cash flow in exchange for alot more effort, risk and limited appreciation, or do you want a more stable property with potentially less or even zero cash flow, if it’s a primary residence, are you going to live there long enough to make it more sense than renting, the breakeven period in a place like Baltimore might be 3-5 years.

Uptown seems to have higher price:rent ratio, but the neighborhoods are more stable there.

As long as you have stable income, most banks will lend you some amount.

@Matthew Gentile  one main factor to remember Income is critical in this business to obtain financing of any magnitude and a stable well paying W 2 allows you to obtain debt for your RE purchases plus if you have health bene's etc that's critical as your family grows.

I define stage 2 as having a fully leveraged portfolio of (relatively) stable properties.

My father resides in this property and is managing the flip, leveraging his extensive experience in property renovation.Financially, I bring to the table a stable annual gross income of $270,000 from my successful healthcare company, which will continue to support my real estate endeavors.

Thurston CountyAverage Purchase Price: Approximately $480,000Average Rent Prices: Around $1,800 - $2,000 per month for a typical 2-3 bedroom home.Investment Appeal: Home to Olympia, the state capital, Thurston County ensures a stable government-related job market.

Obviously I want the largest return possible but I think the priority for my first one is something maybe more on the safer or stable end of the spectrum.

I was also looking at storage units as an alternative to flipping homes but I see that my ROI is higher and more stable in flips than in the storage units based off what you have all shared.