New in Charleston, SC!

[Kyle Buck]

hi everyone. This post is a first for me in a few ways. First off, I am brand new to real estate investing...in what I have heard referred to as information overload or analysis paralysis. Second, this is my first forum post ever...anywhere. I guess I am what people call a serial lurker. I have gathered great deals of information. From other forum posts, but never really had the nerve to post anything for myself.

I feel better now that is off my chest, so about me and my plan.

I am newly relocated to Charleston, SC as a researcher. I graduated with my doctorate in geography about a year ago and have some pretty mean GIS skills.  I also really like a challenge, which I feel is missing right now.  I will admit that money is a goal too. Turns out they don't pay you according to hours spent in the classroom or in front of a computer reading, and I have a wife and three kids to support.  

My tentative plan in real estate investment is to begin with rehabbing and flipping houses. I am looking into best ways for financing this, but I do have lots of equity in my house, so I don't suspect an issue.  I have had some involvement in flipping with a fiend of mine in Florida before the bubble burst down there. I also have the ability and tools to do most work myself, although time constraints will dictate that I hire contractors. Ultimately I would like to have the ability to buy and hold properties as rentals in addition to the flipping. If I really like this investment thing, I could definitely see this becoming my full time career.

Ok, I will stop there for now. I look forward to meeting everyone! Thanks in advance!