MBA Grad Professional Real Estate Career Advice

[Josh Rich]

Recently I reached out to @Bill Gulley for some advice and I thought I would open my question up to others on the forums for all of your great insights!

Here's a little background on me...

Recently I earned an MBA with a real estate focus from the University of Pennsylvania and live in CA (distance learning program). Several years ago I studied for and received my CA real estate license and did the same with a TX RE license and worked as a mortgage broker there for a few years before getting into healthcare account management. Long story long, I have an EXTREME PASSION for real estate and only a basic understanding of RE fundamentals, not much more though than the average investor.

How does a guy like me develop a professional real estate career to learn/earn/and return like so many veterans on this site? My interests are in real estate finance, mortgage note investing, tax liens/deeds, and buy/hold MFR for cash flow.

My initial direction is to pursue private equity or other institutional investing in an acquisitions role, or possibly asset management. Just not sure it will get me to where I want to be in 5-10 years, which is managing my own portfolio of notes, properties, etc., helping others, and coaching those interested on the principles of success.

Thank you in advance for any wisdom you are willing to share!