Quote from @Terra Padgett: If I had $1M to invest in real estate, I would ______. 

Quote from @Jardin Gwin: Hi everyone, I’m a beginner real estate investor looking for guidance as I work toward purchasing my first rental property.

Hey Adam,I’ve been in the Tampa real estate game for 20 years as an investor and owner of a property management company.

An LLC will protect you from contract issues which aren't a real problem but if you don't maintain your property, then you are on the hook for possible lawsuits due to injuries resulting from lack of maintenance.The best thing you can do is stay on top of maintenance.

Several real estate investor groups meet in Austin on the regular.  

I hear a lot of people discouraging folks from getting licensed if they don’t plan to be full time, and there is something to be said for that.

We knew absolutely nothing about real estate—haha.

I have about 20% of folks fill it out.

It doesn't sound like the cosmetic reno you're going to do will add much to the ARV (20k on a duplex won't equate to much).My real question in order to best help you is what is your end goal.

If you acquire one new property each year, you could significantly increase your wealth and potentially position yourself to qualify for larger investments, like apartment buildings or construction loans, within 10 years.I’ve worked with clients who have successfully implemented this strategy, and it has proven to be an effective path to building long-term financial freedom through real estate.Good luck with your decision!