How did you get out of the rat race and how can I too?

[Frank Contreras]

I have no real estate experience, but I do read books on real estate investing. I would really like to take my real estate experience to the next level. What have all you more experienced investors done to go from reading to next level what ever that is? Should I be enrolling in real estate courses to get my real estate agent license and learn the buying process, or is that a waste of time and money, when investing doesnt require a license? Should I be enrolling in real estate investing courses provided on the internet, or are those a waste of time and money as well and I can get better info on bigger pockets? Or should I be finding my mentor, that will guide me and save me a couple of years on the learning curve? My current situation is like a lot of average people, I have a family I support, with a house bill, car bills, school loans and med and credit card bills. What have you more experience investors done to get out of the rat race of life and into the world of real estate investing?

[Chris T.]

@Frank Contreras

I have not achieve financial freedom yet, but I am grinding out more income from my real estate activities than my W2 job... surely but slowly.

Here's my take

1. Find a couple of local REIA

(preferably ones that do not sell you their products), and network. Show up consistently.

2. Identify who you need on your team 

(whether it's a investor friendly realtor, attorney, contractor etc). Find them through your networking or referrals.

3. Set goals. 

Whether it is buying your first investment, or just action based like analyzing 5 properties daily, or make 10 offers weekly.

4. Be consistent and TAKE ACTION.

If you feel paying $ to a guru will help you to the next level, you could. But you can find most of the information out there. Partner up with experienced investors where you don't need to bring $$ to the table. 

It's not going to be easy, but you need to be persistent. good luck!