Any advice on finding work in the field before I start?

[Matt Gehrls]

I've been listening to the BP podcast and on multiple occasions the advice is given to find a job in the field like being a property inspector, working for a contractor/subcontractor, or for other investors. I've done the leasing agent thing, but that market is dead.

I've been searching the online job sites for jobs around Chicago and everything real estate related is either a scam or won't give me a second look because I have next to no experience. Any advice?