I’m passionate about real estate and am working towards building my investment portfolio, with a goal of acquiring five rental properties over the next five years.I’m here to connect with like-minded individuals, learn from experienced investors, and share knowledge along the way.

Start anywhere—offer to assist, intern, whatever it takes—and absorb as much knowledge as you can.

I"m not sure you could find a better group in terms of knowledge and support. 

They’ve taken payments for premiums and not bound the policies, and let the policies lapse without my knowledge.  

Great community to bounce ideas off of as I build my knowledge base.  

So for example, let's say a friend of mine wants to get involved in real estate but doesn't have the time, knowledge, experience, or resources to do it very well.

This knowledge is key.

I would think their loan documents give them the right to control the property after the original owner dies - regardless of who is living there (although I have no direct knowledge of the laws where you live).There are details we don't know here... like if you want the house for sentimental reasons, or because you see the value between what it's worth on the market today and what the reverse mortgage company wants for it?  

.#6  Knowledge -  Know why STR is better for the landlord than traditional rentals.   

Coaching or mentorship in real estate investing can allow you to collapse time and "skip to the front of the line" by leveraging the experience and knowledge of those who have already achieved success in the industry.