According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), as of 2023, housing inventory remains 40% below pre-pandemic levels, leading to heightened competition in many areas.To be considered a neutral market, not seller's or buyer's, the specific market center would need to have 6 months of inventory.

It’s a split level house with 2 / 1 on each level, both about 900sqft.

However, I'm now reading Dave Meyer's book Start With Strategy to learn more about whether long-term residential rentals is even the best approach or if I should be looking into other strategies, in light of my overall goal.After Start With Strategy I plan to read Set For Life by Scott Trench, but what other recommendations do you guys have at the strategic level?

But you bring up a good point that supply could be at record levels if demand is matching that same pace.

Quote from @Gregory Wilson: This depends on what level of control you can exercise over the W-2 employer.

I am not saying that to brag, the reason I say it is we all wish we could get into real estate at a younger age - but we are all different and depending on your level of risk, sometimes being patient is not a bad thing as its a marathon not a sprint.  

I’m not sure the size of your garage but I would consider adding a second level above the garage and keeping your garage space.

That can be on a micro level like near parks or nightlife or macro level of better climate and terrain.

With all of that being said, I am excited to continue to learn and hopefully get to know many of you on a personal level as we learn and grow together!

So there are many more participants at the novice level who may not understand the risk/reward nature of this type of investment.