For me, it wasn't a book that got me into this but it was a conversation I had with a client while I was a financial advisor working for Merrill Lynch.

Both @Nathan Gesner and @Lauren Stark have provided valuable insights on this.One potential path for you is to join an established team to gain experience.

My goal is to establish mutually beneficial relationships that enhance both their careers and mine.I look forward to connecting with like-minded individuals and teams passionate about success in real estate.

You will need to compile a convincing case as to why the cities established maximum blockface density should be exceeded in this instance.

How are you going to get "top lenders" to compete for your business,, if you haven't even established a relationship with them?

Eliminate debt, establish a budget, and save.

@Joseph BinkowskiDon’t forget that you can now be qualified as an accredited investor by passing the series 65 exam without any income or net worth requirements.It will cost you around $200 to $300 and will be valid for 2 years (unless you can park your license with a financial advisor firm, then it will last as long as you maintain it).It is not a difficult exam and you should be able to pass it with around 40 hours of self study with a good prep book or website.

How many lots in those neighborhoods sold near that date to establish comps? 

Often they like to ultimately buy their properties and will pay over market value so they don’t have to uproot the established program to stay in the home they’ve been renting.

Property managers have established vendor relationships and can handle issues quickly.Cons of Hiring a Property Manager❌ Lower Profit Margins – Management fees (typically 8-12% of monthly rent) eat into your cash flow, which can be a dealbreaker if your margins are tight.❌ Less Control Over Tenants & Maintenance – You won’t be as involved in selecting tenants or overseeing repairs, which might lead to decisions you wouldn’t have made yourself.❌ Not All Property Managers Are Great – A bad property manager can neglect your property, overcharge for repairs, or poorly handle tenant relations, leading to unnecessary headaches.Which Option Is Right for You?