I've seen some other posts on BP that, to me, are exceptionally bearish on parking money in stocks/ETFs while you wait for a deal (example: "don't keep any money in stocks that you intend to use in the next 5 years" was a real piece of advice I've seen here) - I don't personally agree with that logic (because even a 10-20% market correction would just bump me from market A to market B) but I can understand if someone's trying to buy RE at a price that doesn't leave much room for error.I guess it kind of depends on if you have a more-than-vague concern that the US/the world is headed for another financial crisis.

Overall - I like to see more than $100 / door in cash flow - I don't put a lot of stock into cap rates as it really more of comparison ratio of one property to another - it's the cash flow I like to see and I want to be sure it is making more for me than a (totally ) passive investment  - I have to go - I am heading up our weekly meetup group today and need to head over to the meeting space - It was great sharing with you all ..

Similarly, when we have bought stocks or invested in mutual funds I have never visited company headquarters or sat down with the CEO's of the companies I am investing in, it is all about returns and track record.

Everyone who lost housing seems to, at least, been able to be "absorbed" by existing stock.

Roofstock enables its investors to treat their real estate investments more like stock portfolios, focusing on asset allocation, rather than researching and buying vacant homes that need to be repaired and leased.

It's inspiring that a young dentist is willing to also work a part-time "side-hustle" job of REI to improve your chance of financial freedom earlier. 1) You could just concentrate on growing the best dental practice possible....live frugally, save a little, take what comes.2) You could add a hobby of trying to invest smartly in stocks, bonds mutual funds to try and grow your wealth faster (without sacrificing your dental practice)3) You could buy a couple rentals and try a relatively passive REI that beats #2, but doesn't detract from your main dental practice4) You could get even more involved and hands on in REI, to really try and beat #2 and #3 with higher IRR% REI.....but how much of this "hands on" can you handle part time before it becomes relatively passive long term rental.

My current plan is to go “Home Depot fancy”- stock cabinets, cheap granite counters, the cheapest stainless steel appliances I can get at a scratch and dent, vinyl plank flooring (other option is to refinish the hardwoods),and wood look porcelain tile in the baths.

This is what every guru (amazon drop ship, real estate, stock trader trainer, etc...) says, right? 

Like reinvesting dividends instead of spending it on stocks.

But with that also comes this feeling that because homeownership isn't working out for me I want NOTHING to do with real estate, entrepreneurship, investing (a lot of these people also failed at RE investing and the stock market).