I always tell people that when I got started in the industry, I expected future-me to always look back on the amazing deals I was able to close.

Welcome @Rebecca Morris,These are the 10 first steps I would recommend to get started in REI (real estate investing):1) Educate Yourself: Read books, take online courses, and attend seminars about real estate basics, market trends, and investment strategies.2) Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve in real estate—whether it’s buying a home, investing in rental properties, or flipping houses.3) Choose Your Niche: Decide if you want to focus on residential, commercial, or industrial real estate, or perhaps a mix of these.4) Research the Market: Analyze your local real estate market.

I am smart and know when the ship of the industry is sinking or taking on water.

If accepted then you gotta hope your financing doesn't take too long or fall apart altogether, and then you have to pray your contractor does a swell job cause that is about as good as a coin flip, and then you need to make a wish that your exit is one timely and two at the price you suspected.Bottom line is, it is hard to set up a network built with pieces from 3 - 4 different verticals within the industry. 

IREM President Libby Ekre, CPM, shares five essential things to look for:Licenses & Certifications – Ensure the firm has certifications like CPM or ARM, guaranteeing adherence to industry standards.Regional Experience – Local market knowledge is crucial, especially for properties in smaller cities.Property Type Expertise – Match the company’s strengths with your specific property type for better management.Company Culture – Look for a firm that values customer service and team management.

While you may be eligible for a tax exclusion of up to $250,000 ($500,000 if married) on the sale of your primary residence, any period during which the property was used as a rental is considered "nonqualified use."

I have tried to find potential syndicators by literally tracking down who bought apartments that I see clearly have new owners... but in each case, to date, the new owner appears to not be open to outside investors (and so far no local outfits), so that's not working out.Kurt, due to my industry expertise, I have a very wide network, and work with hundreds of syndicators nationwide.

To show a home, you must have either a non-exclusive buyer agency agreement (a one-off) or an exclusive buyer agency agreement signed with a client to show them homes.

But, if they don't have some sort of formal training/experience within the industry hiring them is a terrible idea (from what I've heard).Just to put this into perspective, all of our bookkeepers are U.S.

These agents often have exclusive access to properties that aren’t publicly listed, and networking with them increases your chances of getting the first look at these hidden gems.Build a professional network Build a professional network of wholesalers, contractors, and investors using real estate forums like BiggerPockets.These real estate professionals often know about potential sales before they become public.