I have $200k cash, and want to start investing in real estate. What should I do next?

[Cade Smith]

Some context:

I am 25 years old, single, no kids, and am fortunate to have a very high paying job (for my age). I have been saving as much as possible every month since February 2022 where I began with about $10k in a 401(k) and a few hundred dollars cash.  I now have $200k in a high yield savings account and $40k in retirement savings. I have been wanting to do real estate investing for a while now. I am watching hours and hours of YouTube, and I know I just need to jump in and do it. Because I travel for work, I am not interested in or able to self-manage. Also, I find the idea of buying new constructions pretty enticing. It doesn't make sense for me to quit my W2, as I make a good income and actually love my job. New constructions eliminate much of a value-add possibility, but with my current income, and existing cash, I think it makes sense to invest in the lower maintenance, rent-ready 3bed2bath homes (~$250,000 - $290,000) being built in my area of interest. I don't wish to be leveraged to the absolute max, and my risk-tolerance is not insanely high. I plan to buy, rent-out, hold, and pretty much never sell. I'd love to hear from some seasoned investors, and know what you would do if you were a newbie like me.

I'm not looking for partners.

[Kevin Lee]

What is your current living situation?  At your age with no kids and travel for work, I would jump on the opportunity to purchase a primary residence and rent out a few rooms to friends or colleagues in the same industry that also travel often for work.  This is what I did at your age.