Quote from @John Mason: @Andrew Postell Yes it doesThe whole point was that I wanted to buy a house which is inexpensive and convert into an airbnb a year down the line and obviously if I have  a pool with a nice deck it would mean more bookingsExample buy a house without a pool for 300 k, live in it a year and have the pool put in and then change it to STR and move out and buy another house ..I would target a home with an already built in-ground pool, but maybe needs some cleaning and TLC in the backyard.

There are plenty of offerings out there that will target 18%+ but you could have the same chance of losing everything as getting 18%.You looking for cash flow play or an equity / upside play?

I’m a big saver and the reason I’m looking into real estate is because I want to set up myself so that I don’t have to ever worry about money.

The idea of having a cash flowing portfolio large enough to reduce or even fully step away from my regular work is obviously very attractive, but as a total beginner I don't want to set my sights too high without first gaining some experience in REI.

Hayden, congratulations on identifying real estate as your target vehicle to build your life around at such a young age. 

For instance, in a scenario where several properties in an area are sold at a discount due to defaults, these sales set a new standard for cap rates in that area.

You could get cash out to build your basement unit and get two sets of new tenants.

Mind set is key, as Rick said.

Set a goal to analyze a few deals a day and establish your buy criteria.

If so, I would target those markets with a ton of multifamily stock and start building more empire there.