What real estate strategy fits a full-time job and $50k?

[Aubrey.M]

I'm looking to diversify my investment portfolio by entering real estate, but I'm overwhelmed by the different real estate investment strategies available, from traditional buy-and-hold rentals to more hands-off options like REITs or syndications. With about $50,000 in initial capital and a full-time job, I need a strategy that doesn't require constant day-to-day management but still offers better returns than the stock market over the long term. For investors who started with a similar profile, what approach did you choose and why, and what were the most important due diligence steps you took before committing your first significant capital to a property or fund? I'm particularly concerned about accurately projecting cash flow and understanding the true impact of property management fees or fund expenses on net returns.