I currently have a few properties, and with the market appreciation in the DC metro area, I have about $100k equity in each property I own (four total, nothing compared to what I read on here), and as such I want to continue to build a buy/hold portfolio, but at same time I'd also like to have some money available in case the market takes a turn, in order to be able to make some moves.

I've also considered looking into becoming a private lender but I feel I should experience the RE game myself before I start lending money out to others.I've been researching heavily, pounding through 1-2 podcasts a day and am in the process of finding a lawyer, accountant, agent and any other people I may need in my RE journey.

@Chris Connery not knowing for sure what your situation/goals are I thought I would throw out there what I/we are working on right now - similar but different.I am working on forming a partnership with an individual that will bring the 20% down that I need for my properties that I use a commercial portfolio loans on, but the whole loan (80% of purchase price) will be signed by only me.

Our initial plan for the next couple of years is to get rents to market, and see what we can do with the water and heating bills.Over the next few years, we will build out our buy and hold portfolio in the Toledo area.

(yet) But if I were in your position, I would be sceptical of renting to anyone that doesn’t have a bit of skin in the game.

@Tamiel Kenney Citigate manages our portfolio in DFW as well and like Tammy, my partners are very high on them.

I have been at this game since I was 23, always have been a buy and hold investor, I have only sold 1 investment property thus far....But I agree with your process at age 60 sounds like a great time to unload and truly have passive income....Have a look at some high quality REITS as well like O, DLT, and VTR as well as utility stocks that throw off nice dividend yields on a monthly and quarterly basis.

If you're not super interested in the REI game anymore and would prefer to invest elsewhere, then it's just unnecessary hoops - you have to decide what your long-term goals are and go from there.Best of luck!

Its not so much that you have to do it yourself, but Realtors are in the retail game, not the wholesale game.

The lower paying job might provide me with an extra hour or 2 after work but not a game changer.