How long did you wait/research before you jumped into investing?

[Manda Gouvion]

It was just a couple of days ago I got this wild idea to invest in real estate. The thought originated as something my husband and I could invest in as a kind of self-paying college fund for our kids! So I'm halfway through the "How to Invest" book, 2 podcasts listened and learned and I'm curious... What was the length of time from hearing about real estate investments to taking action? And by taking action I mean finding your team, proposing a deal to a lender, etc. The more details the better!!