@Karen SmithAs jay mentioned private lending has been around forever and it’s really not on the rise - I think it’s always been a large player in the real estate investment space for short term loans.

Hang out with others that are doing what you want to do and invest your $25-$50,000 in real estate vs education. 

Yes, the more units you go up, generally the less players in the game so there is some advantage in purchase competition as you go up, but also more management scale and cap ex for someone who is new.3.

While this is a great and highly motivating goal, most people are either clueless or incorrect in their belief as to what is required to obtain this “lifestyle”.Understanding of the “how to” get there is further obscured by the misleading, and often patently false “pathways” sold by real estate educational MARKETING companies as workshops, upsold to association memberships, upsold to mentorships.

anyone have any experience with Walter Wofford and his short term rental education programs?

Submitting real offers that you feel confident actually closing on and having a strong sponsor to work with that has a track record will go much further towards you winning deals.In short, you can pursue larger deals right out of the gate if you want to, but generally expect that it'll take you longer to win one and make sure you have the right players on your team so that you're prepared to win them and to close them once you do.

I am looking to join a mentorship program to help lower my learning curve and until I find it, I am educating myself with books, as well as YouTube University and great advice from the BiggerPockets community.I do work full-time in a career that I love and is very rewarding, but I also know I won't attain my goals with my current job.

@Anna NickensDeciding between investing in mentorship or self-education for real estate investing depends on your goals, budget, and learning style.

By 2030, we want to have grown a portfolio of over 100 units, created a property management company that manages an additional 100-200 units, and, finally (and most importantly), we will have established a non-profit that is focused on quality, affordable housing that specializes in providing housing and resources at/on the "services cliff" alongside financial counseling and first-time home buyer education in our target area.Our target area is the Springfield, MA and Hartford, CT areas with dreams to expand to Central Massachusetts (Worcester, MA), Southern New Hampshire (Nashua, NH), and Southern Connecticut (New Haven, CT).Would love to meet up with likeminded individuals in our area!

➡️Network and educate investors.