Looking get a hands on introduction to real estate

[Kurt Sommer]

Hey BP, 

I am 24, living on Long Island and have essentially no experience with real estate besides the fact that I am a renter. I have been listening to podcasts, reading books, blogs, and forum posts over the last year or so to gain some knowledge about the business. As it stands right now, I would like to get into buy and hold properties in the near future. I have some money saved so when the right deal comes around I will be able to take advantage of it. 

So, as the title states, I am trying to get a first hand introduction into the real estate business. I know Josh and Brandon suggest taking a local real estate agent or landlord out for coffee and picking their brain. I was also thinking it may be a good idea to shadow a property manager. If anyone has any other suggestions on how to get my foot in the door please let me know! Thank you