Some capital but where to put it???
I'm looking to invest in my first real estate property.  I'm trying to figure out where to start.  I have been successful in other business that leased properties and have some capital to invest for a down payment.  Is it better to invest through others already in the market (I have a lawyer friend with people looking for investors in real estate).  I dont know anything about that and would have to find out more.  I guess what books should I read, where should I start?  How much is the minimum cash investment on average to really see profits better than the market long term?  I am willing to put in some leg work as far as showing the properties and managing them.  

Essentially I want to diversify from the market I have too much there IMHO.  I've never been a fan of "you'll make 8 percent if you keep it there" ....
[{"id": "f1lqrpu", "text": "Depending on the equity stack, your returns from an IRR could be significantly higher than 8%. The key is working with someone who actually knows how to model the deal, and more importantly, knows how the market.\n\nAre you looking for value add, development, core, core +? What is your risk appetite?\n\nAnd kudos for wanting to do your homework.", "replies": [{"id": "f1lr8bt", "text": "Differences between core and core +?", "replies": [{"id": "f1lsebj", "text": "I don\u2019t know what kind of equity you are taking about. Core is stabilized, low leveraged assets, core + is basically core with a little more debt to boost returns for equity investors. Different asset classes may define these differently.", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "f1m1j6j", "text": "I would say most definitely for your first commercial deal invest with someone who is already doing it. Someone that has executed multiple transactions before. This way you can learn more and there is less risk involved.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "f1mdv13", "text": "Pm me about my investment firm (Realty)\n1) 18% ROI annually \n2) HMO Flips \n^ Above seems most appropriate for your situation", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "f1mgtnv", "text": "Buy a distressed property, rent it to one of the companies you worked at that leases properties, profit.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "f1mn0do", "text": "I tell every new investor, who has a substantial amount of money, to put your money with a pro.  As part of your deal you're allowed to pick their brain through the entire process.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "f1mo6a8", "text": "The Real Estate Game by William Poorvu is a great starting point. You\u2019ll understand some of the lingo and get a basic idea of how people look at deals.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]