Beginner.. Please help!

[Steven E.]

A little introductions are in order, my name is Steven, and I am a college student working to pay my way through (full time student and part time job). My main passion has been to make my money work for me. I love investing! It all started with value investing when I read, "The Intelligent Investor," but now I have become drawn into real estate. The biggest man in my town (I live in Tn) worked his way up in commercial property. I am drawn to his hard work and success. He began to teach me a little; however, he seems too busy to want to mentor me on a frequent basis. I would love to start a little discussion going on the best way to start into real estate. I have been meeting with a few people that flip houses, which seems to be one start into active income. I have also met people who rent homes, however, they tend to either love it because they were successful or they lost money and think real estate is horrible. Please leave a quick note on how some of you started or what you would have done knowing what you all know now. Thank you so much!