Newbie seeking advice - how best to use my time

[John Nasser]

Here I am, a newbie, an aspiring real estate investor willing to put in the work while having realistic expectations of the challenges ahead.

First and foremost I want to extend my gratitude to this forum and all of its contributors. While this is my first post, I have been actively reading many of the wonderful posts over the last several days.

My dilemma

TIMING – I’m currently in the process of selling my home which over the last four years became a rental property. I personally managed from out of state and acquired a great deal of education from the “school of hard knocks”. The home sale leaves me with an immediate mortgage balance due and once paid off my family obligation is to pursue another personal residence property. By paying off my immediate debt and saving the additional down payment needed on a personal home I know that I am realistically about a 18 months away from even considering purchasing an investment property. This is non-negotiable per the spouse……so I listen and agree without hesitation (happy wife happy life).

While I have come to grips with my newfound dilemma, I’m stuck to wonder how best to use my time in becoming a more prepared investor.

So, my question to everyone is this: What advice would you have for someone like myself eager to get started in REI but who is sidelined for the time being?