Establishing a Plan for the Future

[Donald Lear]

Hello BiggerPockets, my name is Donald and I'm currently in Norfolk, VA, working towards my Masters in Aerospace Engineering. I have a year left before I'm done and into the workplace proper, and I wanted to start learning about real estate before I earn the money to really jump into the business. Might be a few years away still, but its good to start early.

So what is the overall goal?  Cash Flow is my biggest concern, I'd love to collect a good portfolio of rental properties so that I can get enough cash flow to be financially independent, probably about 5-6 years after getting my first position.  I want to have my finances under my control in case I get laid off from my job, or I want to pursue research, or even stick my hand into other activities I love like drawing or writing.

Real Estate sounded like the best option to pursue this, and so I wanted to ask the community what I should be focusing on over the next year or two?  School is going to take up almost all my time, but any advice on books, lectures, or anything that can help me learn in my spare time would be most appreciated.

Looking forward to getting to know all of you :)