New to real estate investing and looking for some guidance

[Garrett Ranous]

Hello everyone! It is great to be part of this new community and it is great to find because I have always been vaguely interested in Real Estate Investing but never really had any clue where/how to get started. I bought Kris Krohn's book a few months back and have been watching his video but couldn't tell if it is one of those scammy guru programs or good. I recently found Bigger pockets and enjoying the podcast. If anyone has any suggestions on any of the following circumstances of my current situation it would be greatly helpful as I am brand new and would really appreciate any and all help.

1. I have been living out of the country for several years as an English teacher and have saved plenty of money for investing however I don't have a current job since I just got back home. I recently got my insurance license and intending to start my own online agency but not sure if that will slow down my process in getting a loan since I know a normal W-2 job would probably make the process faster or not. Does anyone know much about this? Are there loopholes? If I got a restaurant job by night (to get the W2) and focused on Insurance by day would that be sufficient?

2. I am interested in getting mentored by someone who knows more than me and hopefully someone who is already successful but are there suggestions on how to approach these people? I have marketing experience with real estate investors in a previous job so I feel I can bring that to the table to help or intern for a person like this but will that even be attractive to a mentor? I'd like to know how to approach an investor in a way that will not put them off.

I'd like to get into house hacking but as you can see I have a few areas I am trying to work out before getting to that point. If anyone with similar past experiences can give any suggestions it would be greatly appreciated.

Kindly,

Garrett