-If you have 10k for a downpayment it's good that you are thinking about having reserves, but you also have to think about closing cost, if you are worried about not having tenants having a couple months' rent would be ideal-If you are new to real estate, start reading books, listening to podcasts, analyze deals, learn the tenant screening process, property management, see how you could mitigate the risk on the house hack, find an exit strategy, but most of all have patience.

I am an appriaser, property manager, realtor, and investor with rehab crew.

I'm an investor, property manage and agent in Savannah, GA.

🏡I’m excited to share some news—After spending the last 10+ years in Self Storage and managing my own rental properties, I’ve taken the leap further into the world of real estate!

Am managing this 4plex out of state.

Hi David,(1) I don't have much to invest ($280-$350k) and would want to diversify across different properties anyway (some DSTs are diversified, and I can probably pick up three different DSTs with my proceeds);(2) no direct participation in managing properties (tired of it);(3) illiquidity is not an issue (looking for a 7-10 or longer horizon, will need some cash 8-20 years down the road to fund the kids' college);(4) prefer paper investments in general, would be able to hedge declines in the real estate market with financial instruments (have a Ph.D. in finance and a CFA designation, but a newbie to RE exchanges).

Been managing this property myself for past 7 years.

I’ve managed to buy 7 buildings with 25 units.

There are conflicts of interest with the buying agent wanting to close, the selling agent wanting to close, the property manager wanting new business etc.

@Eli JoffeTo make smart choices for your first rental in Cincinnati, look at key numbers: buy price, fix-up costs, closing costs, monthly rent, mortgage, management fees, vacancy rate, and upkeep costs.