First Steps into Investing (Flips and Rentals)

[William Mayah]

Hi All,

Just wanted to get some advice on a possible "open door" into REI. A family member, who is currently a real estate agent, wants to build a family business. I would be in charge of finding and maintaining rental properties and facilitating rehab projects. I'm currently Planner with a county agency and working on an MS in Real Estate and Infrastructure (which is more focused on commercial RE), but have been planning to get into REI as a part-time business for several months.

This family member wants me to work on getting a real estate license first to learn the ins and outs of the business and setting up deals, as he has. Is this a good entrance strategy? I do still have a FT job and am working on my master's degree. If our goal is for start working on deals and acquiring property as soon as we can, is this a good use of my efforts at the moment?

Also, are there any recommendations for ways to quickly obtain a real estate license? Not really looking for a quick fix or easy out, just something that maximizes my time. 

Thanks - Will