First-time investor (Los Angeles) Where would YOU put your money and why?
I’m honestly trying decide which route to go investment wise . If I chose this route I would be a first-time investor based in the Los Angeles area and trying to make a smart, long-term move with my money instead of letting it sit.
I keep going back and forth between a few options and would really appreciate input from people with real experience:
Buying a duplex (live in one unit, rent the other)
Investing in short-term rentals (Airbnb/STR)
Buying long-term rental property in Texas (lower cost, potentially better cash flow)
My main goals are:
Building cash flow (not just appreciation)
Making a smart first move without getting stuck
Creating something that can scale over time
Concerns:
California prices feel insanely high for cash flow
STRs seem great but also risky with regulations + management
Out-of-state investing (like Texas) feels smart on paper but harder to control
If you were starting from scratch in my position:
👉 Where would you put your money first and why?
👉 What would you avoid completely?
I’d really value honest, real world advice (not just theory).