Acceptable, lower risk strategy?

I would put biggerpockets as the top pick.

Hello,I am relatively new to real estate investing as I purchased my multi-family building in Chicago back in 2021 putting in twenty percent down of the purchase price.

Ultimately, the best market for investing under $250k will depend on factors like your risk tolerance, investment goals, and personal preferences.

Waiving the right to inspections can enhance the appeal of an offer but comes with a major risk to the buyer.

Although most are C-Class they're always the nicest properties on the block and I put a lot of the other landlords to shame.

It all depends on your risk tolerance. 

He will be a first-time landlord and I asked him if he would allow me to help him through the process of putting a tenant in place and managing it just to learn the proper flow of how it's done and to get a strong handle on the systems that will allow us to do it.

But risk can be mitigated.  

I'm wondering if there is a typical amount to put down as earnest money?