Soon to be investor from Raleigh, NC

[Eric F.]

Hi Everyone,

First post here. I just turned 30 and have been passively interested in real estate for about a year now. I have yet to do a deal and would say I only became seriously interested a couple months ago. I have not done anything yet except read some Gary Keller books and go to a few REI club meetings as well as some websites. I live in Raleigh, North Carolina and plan on staying here.

My long term goal is to own rental properties with enough income I can choose to work rather than have to work. I love to travel and being able to do so for extended periods would be my dream. I like my current job but even so I just know I cannot be in an office for the next 30 years.

Anyway, I do not even own my personal residence now. I am thinking about buying a duplex for my first house and renting out half, except I have a dog and want to keep a fenced in backyard for her since she is accustomed to a dog door, and it is hard to find a duplex like that.

Basically, I am open to any advice on how I can achieve my goals as quickly as possible. I do not have much money I can invest now, 10k cash (and 30k in an IRA). I spent a few months overseas when between jobs traveling which depleted the savings somewhat, but some experiences money cannot buy. One important thing: If my first couple deals result in good cash flow I can probably get money for a few down payments fairly easily.

I am open and would greatly appreciate any advice on what I should do.

Things I have considered.
I have read a lot of John Fredo's stuff on here and his website and there are a lot of mobile home parks around me so that may be a good opportunity to get some short term cash flow going.
The duplex I mentioned above.
Figuring out how to get a few rental properties without using much cash out of pocket.
I am open to learning alternative ways to buy Single and Multi (2-4) family rentals outside of traditional mortgages.

I'd like to thank everyone for the great content I have read here already.