New member from Corpus Christi, Texas

[Jason Sly]

New member here and I am trying to soak up as much knowledge as possible.  I have no real estate experience unless you consider buying a couple of houses experience.  Both houses that I bought were my own personal homes.  I am 43, married and one 15 year old kid who thinks he is 25.  I have recently started to take a close look at my career and think that there has to be other opportunities available.  I work in the healthcare industry and although my job is stable and the income is adequate, it is just a job.  If I don't clock in that day, I don't get paid and I feel real wealth only comes when income is made passively.  Don't misunderstand, I know that real estate investing is going to require hard work and dedication in order to be successful.  My goal here is to acquire the knowledge needed for rental income investments.  Point me in the right direction to get me started on this journey.  What books can you recommend and what blogs helped you get started?  What is a realistic expectation for my first property?