If so, find an investor-friendly realtor and start looking at properties early.

I was debating should I do 4 plex or duplex with what I can make a down payment above between 35-40% to start with ?

I am keen on finding out whether this market is a good starting point if I wish to develop a small portfolio of say 5 rental properties over the next 5 years. 

Are you trying to get into investing through that or are you looking forward to helping renters and buyers as you start?

I desperately need some input before I spend my $2k to get started.

But start to get out of the SAD (sad american investment diet).Real Estate Investments: Cash flow and appreciation aside for you as a high income earner over 400K AGI its going to be more about saving taxes.

I've started Partner program with Peter 10 days ago.

A little bit about my experience in Real Estate… I started a couple years ago doing some house flips in Detroit ( It was a 2 year plan) then decided to sell everything, moved to Washington DC which can't afford anything in the DMV area but last year I purchased a very nice 3500 SQFT Duplex in Shaker Heights, suburb of Cleveland.

Tax Benefits While Building- Create an LLC and pay start up costs through the LLC (architect fees, permit fees, etc.).

@Alec BildsteinHey Alec, great job on starting to look now and get your ducks in a row, it’s never too early to start looking to get a feel for the market.I’d love to chat more and hear about your real estate goals.