New Member in Raleigh/Durham Area

[Gary McDaniel]

Hey fellow BPers

My name is Gary and I currently live in Durham and work in Raleigh, NC.  I'm fairly new to RE.  When I graduated high school, I took a real estate course at the local community college in my area with hopes to become a real estate agent.  Long story short I got discouraged and began the dreaded "analysis paralysis."  

With all that said I would like to get my feet wet primarily starting with wholesaling and after I master that, and clean up my credit, I'd like to get into more long-term investments.

I just quit one of my jobs today and I've been reading in the forums so I'm really motivated and eager to get to work wholesaling!

I know you can read, and read, and read, and watch different videos and listen to podcasts, but nothing beats someone guiding you and you actually getting out there, but I'm struggling with what I should do first.

My biggest questions are:

• Where do I start?  (I have limited capital, roughly $1000 to invest)
• Are direct mailing companies a good investment or should I write out the letters myself?
• Is there anyone in the area who is interested in a mentee??  I'm definitely not opposed to traveling to learn the ropes or help with deals.  I travel for a living so I can hop on a plane if need be *hint hint*
• Should I join REIA? I have heard mixed reviews on REIA groups.
• Should I start with small distressed homes or is there just as good of a market with larger move-in ready homes?

I'm just a young guy who is eager to make it in and I know RE is my mode to reaching my goals and living the life I truly want for myself and

I would appreciate any tips or pointers along the way. Much success and blessings to all of you and I hope we can do business in the near future with one another!