Best background is best for a RE investor is ... ??

[Amie D.]

Hi all, 

To become a decent sized player in the real estate market, what is the best background to have? An MBA, some other type of formal eduction/business courses, self-education and experience, or ??? I realize people come from all backgrounds, but I am talking about if one wants to eventually make say, $1 million+/year, for example, strictly from real estate. I'm not expecting to be there overnight, but I am researching how to best prepare myself ahead of time.

I started with real estate many years ago when I bought my first house, renovated it, and rented out rooms, which I continued to do with my next house, until I fully rented out that house, then another, and then another.

I'm considering doing real estate more seriously and want to move into commercial properties, probably starting with 3- to 4-plexes and then going bigger. I'd like to one day own full apartment complexes and perhaps retail. 

Thank you!