Hello from Gainesville, FL (Advice for a newb!)

[Justin Dennison]

Hello all!

Justin here from Gainesville, FL. I'm a long time lurker (relatively speaking), first time poster. I have been rolling around the idea of investing in real estate, on and off, for about 5-6 years now. I insisted that there was 'magic' and 'luck' involved. However, in the recent months, I have come to understand there is a mix of art and science that is very intriguing to me. 

I have always followed the safe route. (What I perceive to be safe.) As a result, I find myself with Bachelor degrees in Mathematics and Physics as well as a Master of Science in Engineering. Those were mind expanding times, but have left me in a financial position (student loans :( ) that keeps me in the 'rat race'.  

Real estate investing is the most plausible manner to change this habit of 'doing the same things and expecting different results'. I know that I have been speaking in cliches, but those small phrases have stuck with me.

Despite feeling that itch to break into real estate, I still hesitate to take that first step. Those feelings are exacerbated by the whisperings of 'market correction' and 'overpriced market'. Maybe I do not know enough to quell those nerves (or at least minimize them). Perhaps one can never know enough. 

So I ask you BiggerPockets community, any advice for a 'newb'? How can one navigate the current market and successfully splash into real estate investing?

[Andy Spears]

Justin - welcome to Bigger Pockets.  The podcasts are a great way to learn and get some ideas and confidence from people actually getting things done.  I second the idea of listening the podcast on investing in homes in a college town.

As a UF alum with a daughter in school there now, I have an interest in Gainesville  too and actually made a scouting trip up there a few months ago. 

Daria - where do get more info on investing in notes?

David - what do you consider the good areas to look for homes to do what the people in the podcast did?  How far from the campus would you think to too far?  When I made my trip and when I look online for deals, it's hard for me to comprehend that anyone would want to drive into campus, so I've kept my search within walking or biking distance. Do you know any wholesalers in the campus area?