I also provide small shampoo's and conditioners that I get in bulk from Amazon.It is hard to beat either for these kinds of supplies, even if you get a wholesaler to sell to you.

In high barrier markets, rents have gotten stronger but not the double digit growth we had seen, which was an anomaly.  

No problem, though—I can get close to $100K saved by the end of the year, so I’ll be in a much stronger position.My question is, is there a specific number I should be striving for that would put me in a good position to invest in real estate?

However, longer-term bonds (1-5+ years) are subject to interest rate volatility:If rates rise, bond values drop, potentially leading to negative net returns.If rates fall, bonds appreciate, but gains are capped by their fixed coupon rates.While Treasuries provide stability, they offer limited upside and carry hidden risks for medium- to long-term maturities.Why Real Estate Is a Stronger Option in Today’s MarketMultifamily real estate, particularly value-add properties, presents an asymmetric risk-reward profile that Treasuries simply cannot match.

Look for areas with stronger rental demand, lower property taxes, and minimal HOA fees to keep expenses down.

Amid surging demand for apartments, the US rental market is contending with the largest supply of new units in four decades.

An even stronger indicator is that I am getting more and more orders to do BPOs (broker price opinions) for "banks".

Working together, we will continue to advance pro-growth economic policies that allow entrepreneurs and businesses to thrive and will make Texas stronger and more prosperous than ever in the history of our great state.”Initially unveiled in June 2024, the Texas Stock Exchange aims to serve as an alternative to the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq, particularly for companies in Texas and across the southeastern U.S.

While creative financing options are interesting, having more cash on hand seems like it would put me in a much stronger position and open up better opportunities.That said, I’m still curious—at what point do you think someone is truly ‘ready’ to start investing in real estate?

However, the DFW area stands out due to its stronger appreciation, rapid population growth, and overall economic expansion.