The best way to connect and learn is to be in rooms where it's going down.In terms of captial your best bet is to focus on a primary income that cash flow sufficiently, saving as much as you can and doing something real estate related so you can get familiar with the industry.

I am completely new in this industry but I am wondering how hard money and private investing works for flipping.

Within the Industry.

I would recommend just reading up more on both industries and make a decision from there.

Again, this is a conversation to have with your accountant to ensure the benefits would outweigh the costs.Another misconception is that there is little value in a cost segregation study for properties that do not have a lot of personal property in them or very little interior build out, such as industrial warehouses.

I can see this industry moves at the speed of light and it's a bit overwhelming... once I get my ish together I would like to connect.

@Kyle Cross you claim to know a lot about the industry, but your questions are vague and so is the info you've provided.Not sure how managing 8 units doesn't, "require much management"?

Those who excel are generally focused on specific asset types whether it be Restaurant/Hospitality; Office, Industrial etc.

Try being an agent, your phone number is EVERYWHERE and you get targeted by a whole industry that wants to sell you the latest gimmick.Here is what helped me.I answer calls and when it's a telemarketer I will interrupt them and say very friendly (because I don't hate the poor person who gets paid to do this and coached to be ruthless): Hey, so glad you called, can you do me a big favor? 

I worked with an agent who was okay but I became an agent myself because I became so interested in the industry and want to help other people build wealth and become investors themselves.