Advice to Your Younger Self? (Or your son, Jack!)

[Jack Fernandes]

Hi All-

It's been a pleasure joining the forum and meeting such well rounded people (both on and off the forum). I'm 25 and approaching my first deal for a multi family. Maybe some of you remember your first deal- it's an exciting time for me. I'm definitely in that real estate honeymoon phase where I'm networking hard, scouring deals, and reading anything I can get my hands on. With that said:

1.) What advice do you have for me on investing in rental properties or real estate in general? Specifically, what piece of advice would you give to your younger self (or me, if I were your son)?

2.) Bonus points for the over achievers: Landlording tips are welcome (although I'll probably stick w/Property Management from day 1)

I think this might be fun since it is self-limiting. 1 piece of advice per person, only, so please think hard of your most valuable warning or guidance. 

Thanks in advance for kind+thoughtful contributions and for being nice and respectful to me and your fellow posters! I hope we can continue to think positively and help one another, especially given the difficult times being faced by our Nation and our world.