How do I learn about the market and more?

[Matthew Hamilton]

Hey everyone! I'm a broke senior college student (business graduating in December!) and I'm looking to get into the many aspects of RE. I know it is better to pick a niche and specialize, but I really don't have a way of really knowing which I prefer. I've read plenty and sure I can read some more, but I have yet to find a resource that details the various procedures in dealings and transactions. I know how to run the numbers, but it means nothing when I can't compare them to the market. I need to connect the dots. Here are some methods and some subsequent questions about obtaining experience.

3 Methods (That come to mind): 1. Mentor and shadow, 2. Real Estate Assistant, 3. Become a Real Estate Agent.

I know I need to network, however, I'm not sure how. I plan on going to some REIAs in the Atlanta area, however how do introduce myself to people with having little offer in terms of money or experience and how do I show value? I might need some business cards, what should I put on them? I'm also up for buying people coffee or lunch, but how do I approach them? As far as a RE assistant and quite possibly later an agent, should I call and email brokers?

I'm really not up for wholesaling considering I don't want to mislead people and really don't know jack about the market. I think it's far too simple for people to say their goal is to start out wholesaling and later moving on to "fix n' flip (not to say that all wholesaler do that). What are some knowledge/foundation ways of entering Real Estate.

Hopefully this post is beneficial to other people too!

Thanks for reading