Newbie from Phoenix - Options for Hands-on Experience?

[Jamie Oliver]

Hi Everyone! I just joined BP after being a long time visitor/lurker. I've been interested in REI for a while, but just now getting serious. I got my AZ license about 18 months ago purely out of curiosity and wanting to learn more (hanging inactive). I'm currently the CRM/Sales Ops Manager for a local business. Some of my hobbies include snowboarding, cycling, hiking, reading, and cooking.

My job is mostly remote and I've seriously decreased my workload through automation, so I'm looking for something else to do that will give me good hands-on experience in the REI world, and ideally earn some extra $ on the side. My first thought is to find an REI firm in need of someone to manage their CRM (Salesforce, Zoho, etc) as that's something where I already have the skills and would be able to learn a lot just from watching deals go through. My second thought is joining up with a wholesaler such as Networth Realty or the like as an agent.

The downside to the first option is it seems to be hard to find these jobs.  The potential downside to the second option is I don't know how they'd feel about the fact that I technically have another full-time job (though I spend minimal hours on it).  

Any input or suggestions is 100% appreciated! Glad to be here and looking forward to this adventure

[Anthony Angotti]

@Jamie Oliver

What I did to get started was to work for free for another agent that is also an investor. I helped her with marketing and everything and got a lot of experience that way. 

Additionally I know that a lot of wholesalers are always looking for people to drive for dollars, door knock, stuff mailers, whatever. If you offer to do the grunt work for free or not a lot of money you can pick their brain a bit and learn a lot of information that will help you in your endeavors.