@Christopher Boon In an effort to deliver free and objective info regarding real estate tax and legal topics, recently launched an education portal.

If price is an object, I would consider something like househacking a small multi-family property for your first investment; understanding that may change your lifestyle and you may not want to sign up for that. 

One highly effective approach to achieving these objectives is by engaging the services of an experienced property manager.

What  is your objective?

The process of closing (i.e. inspections, inspection objection, disclosures, etc.).

In my case cash flow with moderate appreciation is the objective.

You will also see some common themes: -Decor that is appropriate to the theme of the area -Mix of nice wall hangings and hard objects without being cluttered (again- place appropriate; don't hang an anchor and ship wheel in a mountain cabin)-Items that provide a "Pop" of color in photos; can be throw pillows, bed skirts, tile backsplash, bar stools, back side of front door etc-Some coordination of color scheme throughout.

By all means do research on companies, but ask more objective questions with less slanderous innuendo.  

Claudio Meira I believe it is not where you invest, but, what your objectives are; for me for over 40 years now, I would invest only where there was cash flow or equity, houses, commercial or businesses with real estate, looking at my holdings now, I have a pizza restaurant, a small grocery store a leather night club in a some apartment houses in Baltimore.

Flip that coin and it's the same with being a realtor, you cannot be a part time agent and be super successful.If you pick one and put in a 110% you will do well but juggling being a Realtor & Loan officer is going to cause some take away from one side of the business.My biggest objection to one person being the agent and also the Banker is that you will eventually come into question.