Looking to broaden my horizon in investing.

I would question whether you want to get as conservative as 25/75 as this will really limit your upside and you've got a long time horizon.  

So, for this string, let me just keep my thoughts to one arena: mortgages.Even if the economy booms from pent up consumer demand for all kinds of goods and services, and experiences... even if real estate also seems to have a ton of pent up demand with a litany of buyers just ready to purchase real estate.... even if all that happens (totally different discussion as to whether that will even happen), there is trouble on the horizon with respect to mortgages.We are already seeing a lackluster interest in mortgage backed securities.

My favs hoods are getting more and more expensive for my strategy and I’m opening my horizons to new areas in the city.Thanks muchGraz

But despite all the planning and experience filling my sails, pointing my bow away from land and towards the horizon has been one of the hardest things I've ever done. 

If you have a long time horizon the market cycles are much less significant of a factor. 

And I'm guessing you want to speed up that 40 year horizon?

Young investors with a long time horizon can do well to use leverage to build equity over time, Older investors like me who need to invest cash will need to go to lower priced homes to get better returns.

Rent Breakeven Horizon: Full Weight (~5.33 Points)Note: The “breakeven horizon” is defined by Zillow as the point, in years, at which buying a home becomes less expensive than renting the same home.Share of Young Homes: Full Weight (~5.33 Points)Note: “Young Homes” refer to housing units built between 2010 and 2016.Building-Permit Activity: Full Weight (~5.33 Points)Note: This metric measures the number of unit permits pulled per 1,000 residents.Affordability & Economic Environment – Total Points: 20Housing Affordability: Double Weight (~5.00 Points)Note: This metric measures home price as a percentage of income.Maintenance Affordability: Full Weight (~2.50 Points)Note: This metric measures maintenance costs as a percentage of income.Population Growth Rate: Full Weight (~2.50 Points)Job Growth Rate: Full Weight (~2.50 Points)Unemployment Rate: Full Weight (~2.50 Points)Underemployment Rate: Full Weight (~2.50 Points)Median Credit Score: Full Weight (~2.50 Points)

It doesn't have to be money, having another job in the horizon is always a good incentive for contractors to waive their estimate fee.