Hi Nate - I am probably just a few months ahead of you in the learning curve, but this is what I've been doing following initial self-education:
- What's your future vision? Where do you want to be 5-10 years from now? Write it down. Don't worry about getting it perfect. Check out Brandon's free beginner's guide, where he talks about creating a plan and create yours.
- Explore markets. Have you thought about where you want to start looking for deals? Maybe start exploring your immediate neighborhood, or nearby neighborhoods. Bike/Walk/Drive around and try to apply what you've learned to see if you can spot potential deals. Go online and start "collecting" properties you like, then...
- Analyze properties. Based on what you've learned so far, what strategy feels right for you? House hack, perhaps? If so, start analyzing properties with that strategy in mind. Don't worry about if your analysis is that great. This is about going through motions and starting to think about the numbers. Try to see if you can apply what you've learned to see if you've got a good deal or not. Try to analyze at least one property per day.
- Network, network, network. Read forum posts and don't be afraid to respond. Find a local REIA or Meetup and attend, virtually, if needed.
- Rinse, lather, repeat.
Good luck!