Newbie looking to invest in Arizona and Oregon

[Christina Gazeley]

Hello all! I work full time in the military and am looking to replace my current income and assist my transition out of the military for myself and for my family. I would love to invest in SFH, small multifamily, and commercial real estate. I am currently stationed overseas but would be willing to start investing now. I'm looking for any help in accomplishing my goals and pursuing future endeavors in real estate. Please make any recommendations on good reading material I can study that will help prepare me for real estate investment. I'm open to all ideas. Admittedly I am not well versed in this business but I am motivated and capable of learning. Thanks to all!

[Duane Kidman]

Hi Christina,

Welcome to REI 101. And thank you for your service to our Country.

I recall a latin phrase, "Nanos gigantum humeris insidentes."  Isaac Newton put it this way, "If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants."  This follows along with @Scott Anders recommendation, find a good mentor.

Mentorship in this industry is usually a two-way street, you need to bring something of value to the relationship, not just your hunger and eagerness to learn.  Otherwise, unlike Scott's suggestion, you should be prepared to pay for education.  You can never go wrong with investing in yourself, but you can pay too much.

Study everything you can get your hands on, BiggerPockets is an excellent resource, and they offer video courses that walk you through basic information; I would start here.  If you do want to Wholesale (which is a great way to start) or Flip, then consider House Flipping Formula with Justin Williams and Andy McFarland.  These guys turn about 100+ homes each per year, and offer an honest training program and mentorship.  I have worked with these guys, and have complete trust and faith in them.

Books...? go to http://biggerpockets.com/books for a good list of Top Real Estate books.

Much success!