There all all kinds of investments that historically outperform "Real Estate" As an ambiguously defined investment device.

What I don't understand is how much I can invest.At first, I thought that this rule applied from this SEC.gov page:If either your annual income or your net worth is less than $107,000, then during any 12-month period, you can invest up to the greater of either $2,200 or 5% of the lesser of your annual income or net worth.However, in my communication with Fundrise, they pointed out that they are ruled by Reg A+ funding as defined here:There are no limitations on whether you can invest, or how much you can invest, if you are investing in an offering relying on Tier 1 of Regulation A.If, however, you are offered an opportunity to invest: in a Tier 2 offering;you are not an accredited investor; andthe securities are not going to be listed on a national securities exchange upon qualification;there are some investment limitations of which you should be aware.

I play with options and defined risk if anyone knows about spreads and calendars. 

If you are just starting, you are not in analysis paralysis, you are defining your niche and area you want to invest in. 

As @Bill S. said, you need a broker's license if you're managing long-term rentals, defined as 30 days or more.

Defining the right place to start investing really depends on your goals in REI.

All the tax liens have language that say " for each assessment listed below unless notice of the lien is refiled by the date given in column x this notice shall on the day following such date operate as a certificate of release as defined in IRC 6325(a)." 

You pay tax on the "profit" each year, as defined by the IRS.if your 'gross' rent is $14,000 , you get to deduct many expenses from that before you (and your accountant, if you use one) calculate the "taxable income".Deductions include:all of the interest you paid on mortgage(s) on the properties (but not the principal repayment portion of the loan)the cost of property taxesthe cost of insurancemaintenance expensesfee of a property manager, if you pay oneand "depreciation" (defined as the cost of the building (excluding the land), divided over 27.5 years.

My thinking is the $2K will be considered regular income taxed at the tax bracket rate defined by my W2 job.

Most other major metro areas have clearly defined lines between good and bad areas, where here things can change drastically from one block to the next.