First Time Post - Turnkey vs Flipping

[Matthew Nield]

I'm a newbie and this is my first post. :)

I want to begin in real estate investing and wanted to see what everyone thought of this strategy - 

I am thinking of purchasing some Turnkey properties over the next couple years to get my feet wet and learn more about real estate in general (financing, expected maintenance, etc).  Kind of like real estate training wheels.  During that time I'd be reading and learning more about flipping, which I'd like to try eventually.  I'd expect the best way to learn about flipping is to just try it, but I'm a little risk adverse.  I'd feel much less anxious if I learned and researched more before doing flipping.  

Does this sound like an okay strategy?

[Jessica Santiago jones]

Welcome Matthew! Getting your feet wet is the best way! Read more through Bigger Pockets forums about flipping and peoples experience as this will give you way more insight than most books on the market currently. 

Learn from other peoples experience or what they experienced and take notes. Read a few good books but mostly it will be your mental. Real Estate is all about Risks and if you don't take risks you will never know the good or bad that comes out of it! 

Research the area you want to be in (properties), how is the turnover? how much is rental and how much is seller owned? What has recent homes sold for? Are they renovated? If so get familiar with the style in your selected area. You don't want to over renovate a flip and still get the same money the neighbor is getting! 

Start with a small flip, maybe something that doesn't require an extreme makeover but more of a cosmetic makeover. Then work your way up the ladder. 

Ask questions and don't be afraid to do so. 

Hope it helps!