Best real estate related day jobs for an aspiring investor?

[Carolyn Labutta]

I'm interested in the idea of working in a real-estate related job while saving toward buying more investment properties. It seems this would provide invaluable on-the-job learning and networking while maintaining a much needed income stream. Some examples that were recommended in a BP article were: real estate agent, property manager, escrow officer, title company employee or admin for an REI group. Obviously some of these have more barrier to entry than others, but has anyone done this? Would you recommend it as a strategy to have your energy more focused and reach your goals sooner?