And of course being in a first position loan is ( everything being equal) the safest position if the collateral has been valued correctly..

Personally for what people charge for these programs I would say you are 1000x  better off taking some courses at a local college, getting a degree and working in real estate to get paid for experience and then do real estate on the side for your own portfolio as well.

I just completed my 20 hour course for my Illinois Mortgage Lending License and the final step is taking the state exam.

Of course you won’t make 25-35k net in year 1 or 2 but if you buy 3/4 unit buildings in a growing market you can after a few years.

Assuming the financials make sense to do this of course.  

“Depreciation” is a wonderful tax benefit over the course of 27.5 years, but unfortunately, it isn’t a tax break per se, merely a deferment. 

I have spent the last few years reading many books on real estate, taking real estate courses, researching, saving as much as I could, investing (to increase my purchase power) and finally feel I can begin my real estate journey this year. 

Of course you have to factor in realtor and closing costs on top.

Of course, with all things, the answers to all these matters will depend on the circumstances.California tends to have more laws on the books and requirements and restrictions that it can be a good idea to form a CA LLC for out of state property so that you as a CA resident are covered, and to try to have your contracts fall under the purview of CA courts.

Subject to tax liability on the gains of course, but it gives you more flexibility.