Portfolio Goals for a Rookie Investor?

[Jared Michael Semana]

I'm a rookie investor based in California looking to start building a portfolio in the area. What do you guys think is an ideal portfolio composition that prioritizes modest growth in the next 3-5 years? LTR in the Single Family category seem to be a good base to start cash flow, but what are your suggestions based on experience?

Ex: Start off with 2 SF and then move to Multi? Or then focus on STR?

[Mike Paolucci]

Your goal right now should be to buy your first property, gain the experience and grow your portfolio from there. 

If you're looking to do it locally, then house hack a 2-4 unit property that will cashflow after you buy 2nd property or if you decide to move out. 

Worry about diversifying later on once you have a small portfolio. Cashflow vs projected appreciation is a personal decision that every investor makes and there's no perfect way to do it. It's whatever works best for you, your comfort level and what kind of portfolio you want to build for yourself.