Real Estate Analyst By Trade Wanting to Personally Invest

[Ryan Gifford]

Hi everyone!

This is my first time posting on Bigger Pockets. 

I live in the Bay Area and work for a public home-builder as a Land Acquisition Analyst. My day-to-day tasks include in-depth market research, pro forma compilation, product programming, etc. I feel very comfortable with real estate and know my skills can be used to start personally investing. My goals (with my limited knowledge) are to do fix-and-flip deals to earn money and then reinvest in buy-and-hold properties. I am comfortable in residential but also want to do commercial long-term. 

My concerns starting are my lacks of funds, investment experience, and VERY poor credit. My family and I recently owned a company which we got over-leveraged in and decided to sell. From this experience, our credit took a hit and we will be rebuilding it over the next few years. I don't want our situation to stop us from investing in real estate. Does anyone have advice on next steps on how I can proceed with my situation?

Also, any thoughts on investing in a different state? The Bay Area is very expensive. Thoughts on investing in expensive places?

Thank you!

Ryan