Novice trying to figure out where to start.

[Shawn Singh]

Hello,

I'm a 21yr old rookie, ignorant to the nuances of real estate investing and really, life in general. However I'm naïve and passionate enough to believe I can make a career out of real estate investing. With that I'd like to get some feedback.

I've read a lot of the blog posts and articles posted on biggerpockets. I've also picked up a copy of J Scotts book on how to flip real estate but I have zilch experience applying the formulas and theories to real life situations. Coupled with the fact I have no money would it be wise or foolhardy to work for a flipper, for free in exchange for advice? Or if the flipper is very busy and doesn't necessarily want to carry a deadweight around, I might be able to wholesale a property to them for free, instead of money they could "repay" me via walking me through the entire flip?

Another Idea, maybe crazy,  would be to locate a private lender and ask them If they'd be willing to finance the entire project. I'd manage the flip and for their exuberant risk tolerance. I'd be willing to split the profits 85%/15%. They'd receive their the loan repaid  and 85% of the profits. My rational is this, I know I'm inexpericed, I lack the finances due to those factors they deserve a lions share of the profits. However we're also building a relationship and I'd immediately roll over the 15% of the profits into the next flip thus allowing me to put some skin in the game.

Where as the previous two options wholesaling and working for free wouldn't do anything to improve my financial situation. I know I've grossly oversimplified the process but any help would be appreciated. Real estate is a passion of mine and I'm willing to work with/for anyone on any terms in exchange for valuable knowledge.

Thank You!