New York City Newbie Investor Seeking Advice

[Chaunna Henry]

Hey all!

I'm turning 30 next month and have been thinking about getting into investing for years. I made a crappy deal and lost some money a few years ago and now I'm ready to try again. I was laid off from my job recently and I'm just tired of the 9 to 5 life and putting my financial situation in the hands of others.

I have a few thousand saved and some 401k money doing practically nothing. I also might have a potential cash investor available to me.

My starting goal is to find a property that I can live in and also rent out, if possible. I know I live in a ridiculously expensive city but if anyone has any advice on how I can get started (I know very little) please share!

[Ontwon Smith]

Like the rest of us investors, it's training. I too was not thrilled with the mundane 9-5 existence. Been there. Words can't express the excitement of looking at (and xeroxing before depositing) my first check from flipping a property. I'll never look back. I know there are hundreds of "gurus" out there who'll sell you a course to learn from (a bunch of manuals and CD's) that truthfully, most people never finish. I  know, I was one of them who ordered this stuff and much more. People simple get bored too easily. In addition, they want and need answers to their questions in a timely manner, not some e-mail address to send to that will get back to them in 24 to 48 hours! Really? That just doesn't work and some just walk way. Back to the cubicle. When I made a decision to help others, I realized people wanted more doing than reading. Also great to earn while you learn instead of waiting. You're young and enthusiastic. A powerful combination, Use it. Profit from it. Energy & knowledge = $$$. Where ever you learn from *(it doesn't have to be me). The most important thing is to apply it. I can tell you that marketing is the single most important thing you can do and master as an investor.