I'm eager to learn as much as I can to create the empire I know I am meant to build for myself.While I don't have a real estate background or have all the knowledge, I do know what kind of life I want for myself, along with some great work ethic.  

I haven't exactly forged an empire that will create generational wealth. ... but I evaluated a deal, made a pro forma, and decided this was a minor risk I could afford to take, but it feels so much bigger than that. 

I'm still looking to buy residential multifamily properties and I'm thinking about the Inland Empire due to proximity, though as I'm new to the area, I'm sure you guys know better than me.

The reason they will deny is because they'll see that I'm trying to build up a rental unit "empire" and they won't finance it.I really appreciate your thoughts.

Anyone know of a good inland empire REI meetup?

Hi,  I am in the Inland Empire/Riverside and San Bernadino County areas.  

I've learned more particularly through listening to the podcasts than what an operational system could do for me.I also joined a local real estate investment club (Inland Empire Real Estate Investment Club - Riverside, CA) and they just want to help other to success in their real estate investing endeavors, by asking for advice on whatever deal someone is working on.Your best source of help is going to be through joining a local REIA, listening to podcasts and reading books.Have you read @Brandon Turner's book The Book on Investing in Real Estate with No (and Low) Money Down?

How would I begin to build a rental property empire?

MurrayTrump: The Best Real Estate Advice I Ever Received by Donald TrumpThe 7 Secrets to Successful Apartment Leasing by Eric CumleyThe Definitive Guide to Apartment Marketing by Josh Grillo2 Years to a Million in Real Estate by Matthew MartinezTax-Free Wealth by Tom WheelwrightRaising Private Capital: Building Your Real Estate Empire Using Other People’s Money by Matt Faircloth

Here's an idea of an example strategy to build an empire: house hack.Buy a 2-4 unit building that needs some work and that you'll live in.