You can be sure they will continue to negotiate for, strategize and advise themselves.If the laws are similar where you are, you should consider if you want someone doing those things for you, and whether you are comfortable going toe-to-toe alone with a licensed professional on a $1.25 million purchase.

They wouldn't be coming to you.So you can get a gold standard investment advisor and give up .5 to 2% of your return, or you can send the money to one or more huge index funds like Vanguard 500 index fund and sleep well at night.But if you think you have something of value other than the generic value of money, you will be sorely disappointed.

It took more than a decade but I am excited (and terrified) to re-enter the fray.After dipping my toes into the market, I have battled against my paralysis and taken the leap. 

You might want to consider using your equity in the land as your contribution to a partnership with someone that brings that sorely needed experience to the table.

However, I think some upcoming life changes may be the right opportunity for me to dip my toes in the water in real estate investing.I live in Pflugerville, TX (25 minutes from downtown Austin) and will soon be moving to Portland, OR, for my dream job.

The real estate market has shifted dramatically in recent years rising interest rates, evolving buyer and seller expectations, and fluctuating property values are keeping all of us on our toes.

It’s a smart way to dip your toes into investing while securing your first home.You’re not being too ambitious at all!

It’s also great that you already have equity in your primary residence and cash available—those are valuable resources for getting started.If you’re considering a multifamily property, house hacking could be a great way to dip your toes into investing while minimizing risks.

It's wise to stick your toe in the water first and fail fast in a small way if you're going to fail, right Vanessa?

A single-family home or small multi-unit property can be a great way to dip your toes in the water.Build a Team: Even if you’re planning to handle most things yourself, having a good real estate agent, property manager (if needed), and a reliable handyman can make life so much easier.Learn the Local Laws: Pensacola is pretty investor-friendly, but it’s always good to know local zoning laws and short-term rental regulations if you’re thinking about Airbnb or VRBO.Run the Numbers: Make sure you’re clear on the property’s cash flow potential.