Mentor, Realtor, Property Manager, or JUST START?!

[Ryan McElroy]

Hey guys!

I've been actively educating myself on RE investing for the past 5 years. I recently graduated from college and plan to make RE a lifelong career. My vision is to own a company that invests in large apartment complexes (150+ units), property development, and in house property management.

I'm currently at a point where I need to take the next big step but don't know what direction to take. I'm afraid of wasting time and not getting the education I need to advance my career. With my vision in mind, what direction should I go to set myself up for the most success in the fastest time possible?

- Mentor: Find a very successful RE investor in my niche who can show me the ropes day in and day out in exchange for free help/service.

-Realtor: Obtain a RE license, find an active RE broker who owns investment property as well, and buy/sell properties while learning to invest from them.

-Property Management: Work as a property manager for a successful investor/management company and learn to manage properties first hand.

-Just Start: Start building my team, network, ask for advice from other investors, make offers and obtain property, self manage, (basically the school of hard knocks)

If you have any other suggestions on a different route to take, I am eager to learn. Thank you in advance for any help!