How should I invest 200k?

[Michael Nieves]

I'm located in Dallas, I've been looking at several different options..mutual funds, multi-family, apartments, or franchising. I have access to the VA Home Loan, but there's a lack of multi-family properties in my price range that I'd be willing to live in (approved for $685k months ago). I have no experience in apartments, and I've heard the loan process for those is a completely different animal. I'm not too fond of my job, so I've been looking into franchise resales. Mutual funds have worked well for me, but I'm exploring my options for better returns.

Any input would be greatly appreciated. 

[Sean Carroll]

@Michael Nieves What is your ultimate goal? How much work are you willing to put in?

1. you could loan the 200k to other investors in short-term loans. This only requires vetting the property, math, and investor. This also helps guarantee your money more than being a partner. Being partner means you also except a loss whereas a loan puts the borrower on the hook for the full amount plus the interest or allows you to foreclose.

2. Flip, this requires the knowledge and work finding the deal and managing the deal. Also, the guts to pull the trigger. Here you accept full responsibility.

3. JV on a flip. This requires the guts and allows you to learn while being paid at the same time from a more experienced investor.

4. Multi-Family, this requires the knowledge and time to manage either the property manager or the property yourself. Also, requires the footwork for loans and finding the deal.

5. Note investing for long-term loans. this requires the knowledge of the space as well as the footwork of vetting the borrower and property.

6. Long-term partnership. Partnering with another investor on a property for the long term allows you to learn while being paid.

Let me know if there is anything else I can do to help.