Need help choosing the right investment strategy

[Jose E Morales]

Hello, My name is Joe

I have been considering investing in real estate since I was a kid. I am currently in my mid 30s and have decided to finally take the plunge and go for it. I've read about many different strategies for investing. A few I find very intriguing. however as I will be potentially doing my first deal ever. I want to be prepared with one strategy, one strategy I can study and familiarize my self with to make it the best deal it can be. Well the best deal a rookie can make that is. 

So I ask the experts. What strategy do you recommend I start with given my current situation?  I am fully employed, work on average 14 hours a day, 6-7 days a week. It pays well, and I believe it to be a fairly secure job, at least for the next couple of years. I live in a mobile home, which is paid off so no rent or mortgage, but also no equity. Selling is not an option for sentimental reasons. My goal is to not have to work so much, and have more time to be with my family while providing them with a good life. 

Fill free to ask me questions, if it will help you further. Thank You all   -Joe

[Melissa Justice]

@Jose E Morales,

Hey Joe! Congratulations on finally deciding to take the plunge! That mindset shift alone is huge.

Since you’re working 14-hour days, the key is to pick a strategy that doesn’t require you to be overly hands-on, at least at first. Many new investors try to do too much at once, but your advantage is a steady, high income and no housing expense. That gives you financial flexibility.

Here are a couple of beginner-friendly strategies to consider:

1. Buy & Hold Single-Family Rentals (Out-of-State or Local)
This is the most straightforward way to build wealth and cash flow. With property management in place, you won’t be tied up with day-to-day operations. A safe, B-class neighborhood with a long-term renter could give you stable cash flow while your tenants pay down the loan.

2. “House Hacking” (if it fits your lifestyle)
This usually means buying a small multifamily (duplex, triplex, fourplex) and living in one unit while renting the others. In your case, since you’re attached to your current home, this might not be your path, but it’s worth mentioning because it’s one of the fastest ways to learn while lowering living expenses.

3. Turnkey Rentals
Since time is your biggest constraint, a turnkey provider in a strong rental market could be the best fit. You’d purchase a renovated property with management already in place. You focus on due diligence and financing, not fixing toilets.

4. Passive Investing (if you’d rather not be hands-on at all).
Given your long work hours, you may want to look at syndications or REITs for exposure without the time commitment. This won’t build as much direct control/equity, but it’s a true “hands-off” way to get started while learning.

My recommendation: start with one buy-and-hold rental, managed by a solid property manager. You’ll get hands-on experience as an owner, cash flow to offset your income, and long-term appreciation - all without demanding too much of your limited time.

From there, you can decide if you want to scale into multifamily, BRRRR, or even syndications.

Since your biggest goal is to buy back your time for family, I’d suggest asking yourself: Do I want to be an active investor or a mostly passive one? The answer will help shape which strategy you dive into first.

Always happy to chat more about what has worked for other investors.

Best of luck!