Real Estate Investing: I'm going "all in"...Steps 1,2,3

[Leo Goykhman]

Hey guys, 

So here's the situation I find myself in...

After 9+ years in the sales &marketing/copywriting/and small business consulting world, I was in need of a new career. Something I can get into for the long haul. I've always said that "one day" when I have money I'll get into REI full-time and I think I've always had a passion for real estate, but never thought it's possible for some reason.

Now, after leaving a job I hated 2 months ago I found myself drawn to the idea of giving my "some day dreams" a real shot today. If I had to describe the next 12 months I'd say i'd like to buy, rehab and flip 3 homes, while wholesaling 25 deals. Remember, my goal is to do this full time. Now, i've heard the podcasts where they suggest having a full-time job while learning this business, and i don't disagree with that strategy- but for me, I am in a position where I can get into this full-time. (Not saying i have a fortune to lose or be crazy/foolish with).

My real question is: What would be the smartest way (steps) for me to take to get into this business? 

Do I go and network and make a small list of buyers/investors first? And then find deals to present them?

Do I market for deals and then look for investors?

Do I wholesale a property first? If so, and given the fact that I can launch a marketing campaign, what would be the most effective strategy to get the ball rolling?

Or  do i begin looking for properties with the hopes of buying one?

Do I partner with an investor locally?

This isn't like anything I've started before and so I am in need of some good advice.

Obviously there's a million questions I have as any new person, but i feel that given the right plan of attack, i'd be equipped to take this challenge on.

Thank you all in advance, and I'm really excited and grateful to have found this awesome community.

LG

P.S. If there's anything I can do to help anyone as far as marketing/campaigns etc goes, I've had some experience in that world so please feel free to ask away.