New member from Arizona

[Daniel Lehrman]

Hi everybody!

My name is Daniel Lehrman, and I'm a complete newbie when it comes to anything real estate related.   I am currently employed as a salaried financial advisor at a large company, but like many others in the corporate world, I am increasingly attracted to the idea of leaving the cubicle lifestyle, getting into the world of real estate, and achieving the American Dream, which to me entails traveling the world while I generate passive income from my rental properties.  Sounds simple!

I've done enough research (which is not that much) to know that 'simple' doesn't equal 'easy'. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it, right?  Let me tell you a little bit about my goals, and the strategy I'm using to achieve them.  I of course welcome your feedback--that's the whole purpose of me posting this.  I quite frankly need your help.  Without your guidance, I am doomed to fail.  

My short-term goal is to become a real estate agent in the Phoenix area.  I'm not prepared to take on the risk of an investment property (I've never even bought ANY property EVER), so logically, my thought is to become a part-time real estate agent in order to dip my toes in the water, gain real world experience, and learn some valuable skills that may eventually lead me towards an investment property.  I want to make sure that number one, real estate is something that I am passionate about, and number two, I am adequately knowledgeable to compete in this industry.

Here are my burning questions:

1.) I've lived in Phoenix for only 2 years.  I don't know the market--at all.  What is the best/quickest way to identify the ins and outs of various neighborhoods, pricing, trends, etc.?  I know there is Zillow, but what am I supposed to be looking for? 

2.)  How can I find a mentor before I even get the real estate license?  Where can I find places to volunteer to learn and ask questions?  Are there mentors on this site that I can be paired with?  :D

I really appreciate you reading this!!!  Any response will be appreciated :)

-Daniel