However NWI and in particular Hammond looks like a great place to start as it is a 30-45 min ride and prices are reasonable.

We have a rental that we’ve owned for over 20 years but the last time we rented it was old fashion pen and paper applications!

I’ve been on a rollercoaster ride, starting my transportation business just to support myself as best as I could.Thankfully I receive VA benefits for health care and other compensation, and by the end of 2023 I will have $25K+ capital to invest or use as a down payment for a duplex I can househack.I have been networking (even though I am terribly shy), making new relationships, trying to do the best possible job for my customers, and now my body is starting to really feel the toll from last year.If there’s anything I have taken from 2022, it’s ‘don’t miss the point of this great journey called life.’

If you, for example, invested your savings right now into a S&P 500 ETF in a taxable account, you could "ride the wave" up when the market does return. 

@Stefan D. this thread was a ride!

To make life easy for these tenants, I opted to open an account at Bank of the West and allow my tenants to pay rent there in a similar fashion.

If you are licensed you can collect $ in this fashion but it will go through the broker first - you cannot get paid directly.

It has replaced music on my car rides and I have listened through the work day too. 

Bring a smokin' deal to a REIA, and folks will line up to dance with you.Heck, bring it to me, I will not only fund you, I will offer piggy back rides and mani/pedis.Walk boldly folks, and hold hands!

You can use the extra capital for other investments as well.Again, lots of directions to go in, but hope this helps in some fashion.