Wanting a FT job to learn about the industry

[Scott A Smith]

As I've mentioned in a prior post, I've become unemployed in my industry of 17 years (banking - mostly in marketing analytics, market strategy and operations strategy - analyzing where to place new and close offices, etc based on market potential), and am considering a career change to maximize my future. My most recent role paid around $140k between salary and bonus in Kentucky, which has a pretty low COL. I've struggled to obtain similar titles in my industry because I hadn't led people since I began working in the industry despite getting into the executive level. So, since it would appear that I am going to have to take a pay cut regardless of what I do, I figured it's time to look into a career change.

I want to get into RE as I think it ties well with my analytical nature and I have an interest in building wealth above and beyond stock market returns.  However, even though I have $50k to invest right now, I would prefer to go the traditional lending route for the first few which would require another FT job.  I don't want to become a FT realtor for a few reasons (a) I'm not a 60-70+ hour work week type and (b) it becomes tougher from the traditional lending perspective when my wife already has her own business - I need to be the cheaper insurance provider on top of it.

I'm curious about asset management jobs or other types of similar roles at REI firms where I can learn more in-depth about the industry - and I'd appreciate if anyone had advice about what firms would be worth connecting with and what jobs would make the most sense given my background. I'm open to relocation, but since I'm expecting a decrease in income, I probably would rather not relocate to a super high COL city. Did that in SF a few years ago and it wasn't for us.

[Aaron Beauchamp]

@Scott A Smith You could take a look at being a Loan Originator for an investment mortgage company. its a nice gig with a steady paycheck and its a 9 to 5 type job. It'll teach you everything you need to know about flipping and the mortgage process.