A few years ago I would have said to buy a second property - with interest rates around 3-4% and appreciation roaring above 10% yearly buying more real estate almost always we more profitable than optimizing the real estate you already owned.

To answer your question, I invested about 5 years ago with a group who had lots of optimism and confidence but lacked the necessary skills to properly renovate and manage a large apartment building (400-units).

These properties are managed by operators that have the knowledge and experience and constantly learn how to optimize the listing to rank higher and overall bring in more revenue.

I'm a Software Engineer at a Big Tech and the numbers/optimization aspect of REI is what got me really interested in it.

(more menu items, mobile order, delivery,  Door dash, etc) That's awesome that you mentioned the Farmers agency because I am currently in the market for one as I prepare to move to Texas as there are a couple of them for sale in the area i'm moving to.

Do you want to sell one specialty item or a larger menu?

I mean negative money is not optimal

I know I can google my name and I am already SEO optimized as I come up on the front page..

You're better off investing in a market that you have a strong chance of achieving your goals than to buy in a sub optimal market just because you can drive by and see your property.

Start in the stock market young to take optimal advantage of compounding returns.