Conducting thorough market research and due diligence will help you make informed decisions.As for finding local, in-person meet-ups for real estate and investing, there are several avenues you can explore.

Duplex have different zoning that may permit additional units.

If you're open to providing feedback or exploring potential partnerships, I'd love to connect.Please feel free to comment or reach out for more details.

Additionally, I aspire to continue investing in properties post-retirement, as I find great enjoyment in this endeavor.In 2009 and 2011, I acquired four properties in Southern California.

Potential for additional rental income.Cons: Higher upfront costs for construction.

I don't think taking cash out in refinance raises your cost basis to calculate your taxable gains at sale unless you used the cash-out refi for an addition to the house. 

I have a good HVAC/plumber and an electrician (that I rarely have to use), in addition to a good carpet cleaner. 

Start with low-commitment options like REITs, gradually exploring bigger deals as you gain confidence and market knowledge.

In addition to numerous tradition RE related investments (most individually owned but some as LP), here are our unusual investments (both are RE related, but not what is common on this site)- I have mentioned this one a few times on BP, when fracking was just starting to be known to the general public (near turn of century), we purchased mineral rights in North Dakota.  

With $20k in savings and an additional $4k monthly saving rate, I'm navigating my next steps carefully, especially since I value starting with a substantial equity position in any deal.Here are the options I'm contemplating:Invest in a Low Entry Property: With my capacity for a 20% down payment, I'm considering properties in the $100k-$120k range.