Help me put my cash to work! (Please)

[Account Closed]

Hey ya'll, 

I just moved to the Houston area (not another one) and I'm looking to get started in RE. 

I know long term I want the income benefits of buy and hold real estate but I also want to do some rehabs and have considered becoming a hard money lender. 

I have a good amount of cash I would like to put to work but this market is completely different than what I'm used to and I'm also new to the area. 

Hard money lending seems like a good route for the most passive income, so I would love to hear your suggestions or experience if you've been a lender before!  

I'm all ears. Thanks for taking the time to read this and craft a thoughtful response. 

Feel free to PM to connect! 

Benjamin