Finally trying to get started in real estate investing!

[Michael Dahlheim]

Hello everyone, I initially learned about BiggerPockets about 2 years ago when I initially purchased some audiobooks on "low and no money down" purchases.  I've read several different books on real estate investing and, like many people, have now read the Rich Dad books to really change my view of money to get me even more excited about investments.  I put my personal house on a lease/option agreement with a family, so I have my foot in the door on real estate investing, but after losing my job two months ago I have really wanted to make a big go at this because I never want to work for someone else again.

I've been watching a lot of webinars through BiggerPockets as well as Rich Dad as well as started listening to the BiggerPockets podcasts and am up to about #30.  I believe I have much of the knowledge to get going in real estate investing, I just need to pull the trigger on another property.  My biggest hold up is just doing the financing side of things since I no longer have a job to easily get a loan from a bank.  I have been searching hard money lenders and other sources, but really need to get a business started first.  

My goals...I really want to "retire" by the age of 45 (currently 35), but I'm sure my idea of retire will mean that I just pick up another house/property when I find a good deal.  I want to automate the business so that I can travel the world and still have money rolling in.  My family is my priority in life and I want to be there at all times to go to the first dentist appointment with my 2 year old daughter, go to her sporting events when she gets a little older, spend a week hiking in the mountains with my wife, and just enjoying life with my family without the stress of an everyday 9-5 job.  

I haven't used my BiggerPockets membership very much yet besides analyzing some properties, but I think that will start to change since I have finally started to build my team for a business in real estate investing. I have a friend that is a plumber and wants to get involved as well and asks me everyday when I'm going to get my first house to work on. My plan at this point is to do a few flips to build some cash for using as downpayment for BRRR properties. I look forward to speaking with everyone!