Ideally, I'd like my first few projects to be local to me in Atlanta/West GA/NW GA market as I get my footing but am flexible for the right deal (out of state or more south/east of Atlanta which I know investors are loving right now).If you are an experienced investor currently cash flowing 500k+ annually I'd love to hear your thoughts on my goals, pitfalls to avoid, strategies to employ etc. 

If an investor wants to be passive, most real estate is a nonstarter.Most of us have retirement accounts (such as 401k) and real estate...and don't consider low cost tax deferred retirement accounts with an employer match to be a bad thing.

I am responsible for a pretty large mortgage payment and only my employment income to pay my mortgage in all the bills.

In addition, check out the chamber of commerce https://greaterlouisvillepartnership.com/ where you can find the top 10 employers for different industries such as healthcare, tech, manufacturing and logistics.

Take the prelicensing class, then take the exam, then be employed by a broker 

I’m in my mid thirties and employed as a chemical tank truck driver.

This person / company was frequently well known by the Department of Environmental Quality, and may have been employed by them prior to their striking out and forming their own wetland consulting company.

Employed full time and had just picked up a couple rental homes.

Long track record of employment.

I currently work as a Project Controller managing budgets for the company I am employed by but excited to use my savings to pursue real estate in whatever capacity I can.