New member from Lakewood Ohio

[Matthew Jure]

My name is Matt and I am new to real estate and own a duplex in Lakewood Ohio (Cleveland area) that purchased in mid 2013. I am slowly making improvements to my duplex by working on it myself, and learning how to do that, as a live in one of the units. I currently rent the other unit to family so I suppose I am a quasi-landlord/investor, but it is giving me good practice for when I get my first "real" tenants - yes they pay rent. I hold a bachelor of science in something completely unrelated to real estate and have a full-time job working in a hospital. I read (really listen) to 2-3 books a month on real estate, personal finance, and time management. I also listen to the BP podcasts, I've recently started attending a local REIA, and I love to learn. I am interested in improving myself every day and that includes education with good habits. I like to think outside the box and I'm used to going against the flow.

My goal is to purchase enough properties to be able to live on the generated cash flow and I'm trying to make the right decisions early to be successful over time. I am currently developing a system for my business while paying off debt and piling cash so I can continue to invest. I am considering obtaining my real estate license, but I'm not convinced that I should invest in obtaining one - yet. I am interested in buying a 6+ unit property for my next purchase.