If there's a family member or friend in a similar situation, and you can both align on the initial plan (location, home type, price, usage/occupancy, etc) you can pretty easily get a co-ownership agreement in place and even a joint mortgage.The benefit here is it might open up your ability to buy a larger place in a nicer area which could lead to a faster rate of appreciation and overall better living environment. 

Things are different now and we certainly aren't in anywhere near the same situation as 2005, but it's interesting how a similar environment of sustained prosperity makes the exact same kind of "new and innovative strategy" companies pop up.And based on the responses I'm seeing, I'm sure these guys do a bang-up job of selling their strategy and motivating their clients...not a bad thing at all if it leads to a change in their mindset about money and how to build wealth.

These are primarily found in cities with a metro population >1M.Pro-business environment: Many cities treat employers as adversaries through restrictive policies.

The mirage of get into Real Estate Investing, make ton's of money, get passive, do nothing, sip cocktails on the beach and professionally vacation the rest of your days sounds great, unfortunately it's a mirage. 

Vet potential partners carefully and aim for relationships that can grow with your portfolio.In this higher interest rate environment, focus on cash flow and creative financing options like the HomeStyle rehab loan or seller financing.

I've been thinking I want to work for real estate investors in whatever capacity if I can be trained and also learn at the same time, or work somewhere that would still allow me to have an income while I'm learning at the job within the real estate environment.... does this sound like a good idea? 

2) I would buy in this environment, but be absolutely more cautious.

there are multiple cities across the Midsouth that make for solid investments and you are still able to even see some cashflow even in today's environment without buying just straight up high risk properties. 

Several reasons but primary is case law there, and the way things are set for LLC's, it's a very conducive environment. - Use the "asset island" method from start.

How can I get bookings in this type of environment in the dead of winter?