How should I get started?

[Alex Johnson]

I am in my mid 20s and have been wanting to get into Real Estate investing for quite some time mainly so I can have a secondary source of income and not be so dependent on my day job (long term I want to try and do this full time) . The main issue I have is I don't know if I'm effectively evaluating potential properties in the DC/ Maryland/ Virginia area (I recently moved down to DC) especially in terms of vacancy rates, whats allowed in terms of STR vs LTR, etc... I have read The Book on Rental Property Investing, but would like some help and guidance especially on purchase my first property. I've got some decent savings and have access to more capital if needed, but would ideally like to start on the smaller side, prove the concept/ investment then grow.