Looking for Tampa, FL area Mentor/Internship

[Bryce Kennebeck]

My name is Bryce Kennebeck and I have completed a year of college to which I have decided is not for me. I have a rather in depth knowledge on business's and things of that sort. I'm going to start my career as a merchant mariner within the next year so that I will have the ability to fund my REI. I am looking for someone who will show me real estate investing inside and out (Single family, Multi-Family) such as walking property's, Refinancing, Loan requirement, and tips and tricks just to name a few. I will have about 7 months between now and my reporting date for my mariner school. I have saved up 40k but don't feel comfortable or as financial sable as I would like to be to invest on my own quite yet. I'm looking in the Tampa area as this is where I would like to invest eventually. I'm willing to travel to Tampa or near by area if necessary to learn/help if needed for as little as a few days to potentially a few weeks. Not sure If this is a common thing to do or the place to look for a mentor/Internship but i'm very interested in talking with like minded people and to see what I can expect in the areas market as I feel this is my next stepping stone. Any advice or knowledge is appreciated, Thanks!

[Colin G Murphy]

Hello @Bryce Kennebeck - congrats on starting your real estate journey!

The note from @Chibuzo Umeh above contains some great advice. Forget about spending that hard earned $40k for now - invest instead in your education with podcasts, books and networking. Also, REIA meetings are mostly virtual these days, so you don´t need to travel to attend them.

I personally think getting started without cash (I certainly did) works out better in the long run as it forces you to hustle and get creative. Tap into those reserves of time, energy, discipline and commitment instead. Real estate is best thought of as a long term / get rich slow game, so start thinking beyond the 7 months between now and when you go to mariner school.   

Good luck - plenty of free resources for you on BP to get started.