Young investor -- what's the best plan?

[Nick Q.]

Hi everyone,

I've spent the last two months or so reading these forums to gain some more knowledge of what I plan to get involved with. :D

A little bit of background so you'll understand my situation.

I have around $98,000 in student loans at a measly 2.875% interest rate so I'm paying those over the next 15 years.

I work full time, 8am-5pm Mondays through Thursdays with half day Fridays, which are 8am-1pm.

At the moment, I have around $200K in liquid funds to invest and my job allows me to save another $90K or so yearly if circumstances don't change. Unfortunately, my work schedule doesn't allow me to take or make any calls or run any necessary errands during the day.

I've signed up with a local REI club and have attended a few meetings. My next one will be this coming Thursday. I've been taking my girlfriend and her interest in real estate has grown tremendously.

At this point, I have a general idea of some of the different facets of real estate investment (bird dogging, wholesaling, rehab/flip, buy & hold) but still have much more to learn.

What's the best path to take to learn the ropes as well as get some cash flow to re-invest into other projects? I plan to get my girlfriend heavily involved also. We're hoping to find someone willing to teach/mentor her at the REI club.

Thanks.