New member from Orange County. Your advises appreciated!

[Irene Y.]

Hello RE investors. My name is Irene. I'm a 23-year-old young professional in Orange County. I got interested in real estate investment after reading Robert Kiyosaki's book "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" a couple months ago. Since then I have been reading about real estate investments, attending local REIA, and have been to a few Cashflow games. Two biggest reasons why I want to be an RE investor: 1) to be financially independent before 50 if not sooner (get out of the rat race), 2) to have a fulfilling self-directed life (I love learning and overcoming challenges). My near future goal is to learn as much as possible about RE investing and network with more people in the business.

The biggest question I have now is how do I know when I am ready to invest? Waiting until I have saved up 10% down payment for my first house (like most people do) doesn’t sound like a very good investment idea. It would take me forever to save up, and I don’t like waiting until I have “the money” to do something. If I only had a couple grants to put into RE investment, how do I spend it most effectively?

Like I mentioned, I have a full time job. I do love my full time job, so it’s very unlikely that I will quit what I do to start a RE business. I do understand that RE is a serious business not a hobby. I sincerely welcome any advice/suggestion that you might have for me or for someone just starting out in general. Thank you everyone!