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

If rate of return of appreciation from equity is half than debt fund return, then I prefer debt investment.Personal choice though.

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.

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.  

I've done my best to research the process but wanted to get additional guidance.

We have two new construction projects getting ready to break ground, 2 cash out delayed financing loans in process, and almost at the end of our first debt cycle, getting ready to emerge into the next phase of our growth stage.

Additionally, consider partnering with a HML.

Additionally, Ohio's generally landlord-friendly legal environment, compared to Philadelphia, makes it an appealing investment location.

All of the other comments are great, I will just add one piece of additional advice, decide what you want your investment to look like five years from now.

(income taxes)Additionally, the question of whether to hold until death or gift may also depend on the size of your mother's taxable estate and where you believe the estate tax laws to be headed.