I agree with @Steve Schulman that value add is great for a variety of reasons if you're up for it.

But you’ll find a variety of all strategies here on the website.

haha For an appreciation/equity market - you want to look at a variety of factors to determine if it's a good investment - cash flow, cash on cash return, cap rate, appreciation projections.

Originally posted by @Taryn Lewis:@Milian Bonillo I’m in the same boat as well I want to join the program but 5k is risky Taryn, have you looked into a variety of programs?

I already am receiving numerous deals in my email inbox from a variety of wholesalers but have not yet pulled the trigger on any deals. 

So, expect a variety of answers on this question. 

But you’ll find a variety of every type of investor on the site, and everyone is amazingly helpful.

Having updated accounting records and financial statements will come in handy in a variety of scenarios.

Start  reading Real Estate books (perhaps start with Rich Dad Poor DadTalk to a variety of Real Estate investors (wholesaler, rehabbers, syndicators etc)Truly give away your time to an investor who needs help in your marketLastly, you mentioned you are a finance professional, so you want to start thinking about how to balance your day job with your real estate activities. 

You'll find a wide variety of websites and information.I acutally stumbled onto several when I looked at the results of the online auctions and saw several winning buyers were the name of "Funds".