New Investor in the Bay Area

[Craig Curelop]

Hi everyone,

I have just started looking into real estate investing in the past few months. I have read a few books and have started listening to the BiggerPockets podcast. As I read it seems as though there is a sort of spectrum in terms as to when to the pull the trigger on a first purchase. In other words, you don't want to act too quickly and accept a bad deal, but also don't want to have analysis paralysis. Any recommendations here? 

Also, I would love to get everyone's perspective in terms of which financing is best to use. For someone who is just starting out and has limited resources, I am thinking of taking out an FHA loan and living in the place I purchase for a year. Wondering if anyone has experience here?

Last question - Aye or nay on obtaining a real estate license? I have heard convincing arguments for each point.

Best,

Craig