Such a simple concept so many fail to do.

My question is simple; invest the $50K in a Recast on an existing property, or invest the $50K in another property? 

But you must pick a sector within that.

Keep it simple and shoot for at least a MINIMUM of the 1% Rule based on it being fully occupied..........That's what I did with my VA Loan for my duplex.

I also have an interest in stocks and have finally picked up a small nest egg to throw that way.

Anyone with half a brain can find a house to buy and fill out the paperwork (see above), though most deals are not that simple.

@Jonathan Roszkowski Yeah with your skill set in IT you might look at the "Silicon Slopes" in Utah, or even some cities in Texas like Austin, but because it would be your primary residence as well you have to pick a city that you would be comfortable living in.

Of course, these require you to physically pick up the money.

I also suggest selecting one area of real estate investing that picks your interest the most at this time and learning as much as possible about it before investing.

My point is pick the right property class for your budget (probably SFR), invest in the right neighborhoods if you want a good PM, and be prepared to move super fast (no analysis paralysis).