New investor introduction

[Joe Malloy]

Hello, I am just starting out in my investing career, I purchased my first duplex in Kankakee, Illinois in November. I have spent most of my life in the construction industry and spent a few years in the Marine Corps Reserves. I'm currently in the Chicago Tile Setters Union although work has been slow for the past few months. I wish to keep investing but due to the lack of steady w2 income lately, I'm putting the active investing on hold to focus on educating myself as much as possible until work picks up or I find some creative financing. I have listened to most of the audiobooks put out by Bigger Pockets and as many podcasts as I can throughout the day. I was initially focused on multifamily buy and hold but am experiencing a serious case of shiny object syndrome and keep getting distracted by brrrr and short term rentals. If anyone needs any tile work done south of Chicago,  or has any input or advice for me on which route to pursue, please let me know.

[Paul De Luca]

@Joe Malloy

Congrats on getting your first rental! Is that a house hack or non-owner occupied? I think you need to focus on the strategy that works best for you rather than what's hot right now. Like you said it's very easy to get distracted with shiny object syndrome when you listen to all the podcasts and audiobooks about how people are crushing it with many different investment strategies. Focus on what you want and eliminate the noise. The fundamentals aren't sexy (it's boring) so really weigh the pros and cons of each investing strategy and pick the best for your situation and goals.