They are definitely valuable in the long run as long as you watch out for their less than qualified contractors.

@Johnny Chen I've been watching the market out there, thinking that the pandemic would depress prices as the hotels were shutdown for a while. 

I’ve been learning how to do different reno projects from watching and assisting in work being done in my parents house, watching shows on tv to learn some tips, shopping online for materials and learning the costs to get them done and installed, I have created a few extremely detailed budgets to familiarize myself with costs, I’ve studied a few areas I’m interested in and have been following their markets for years, and reading articles on different aspects of the business.

I’m 37...I’ve read all the books...watched all the videos...and now I’m ready to take actionable steps toward securing my future though REI.

@Stone Jin - I will be ready to go on a down payment soon, getting qualified was my biggest concern going forward, speaking to a lender definitely will get me a more full picture.I watched one podcast that suggested aiming for 5 units in a year, and I wasn't seeing how the math for an average person works out, unless they are talking about properties for $30-$50k or so.

It has taken me almost two years to have my first flip on the market. 1.5 years of that was just me reading, listening, and watching to make sure I had the deepest understanding I could sans-experience. 

Be patient, work hard, get your degree and start investing now at a small scale and watch your portfolio grow.

I wouldn't know the first thing about starting up an REA but interesting idea. more or less looking to find those that know more or are a few steps ahead of myself so that I can watch and learn. 

I have been watching many YouTube videos and podcasts about real estate investing.

Then market to that neighborhood of what you're doing to help owners, and watch your business grow.