I agree with the poster above ... business with a concentration in Finance would be my first pick ... it applies well to RE, and it also "travels well" if you decide to initially pursue a job outside of RE ...

And finally, there is diversification of the stock portfolio so that all the dividend income is not concentrated on one (or just a few) companies or industries. 

Instead of concentrating on purchasing a buy and hold property, maybe you should think about getting your license and generating extra income through being a realtor.

The short answer is no,don't do it.You don't seem to be in the right mindset to become a member of my profession which is exactly what it is,a profession and not a hobby to pick up or put away at will.My profession requires lots of time devoted to learning both in and out of the classroom for at least 6 months to earn a license and the follow up sales training at the brokerage.It is not cheap either to get started with all the fees involved.From what you are describing about your personal life,family demands,and interests desired to pursue,I would concentrate on learning about investing in your spare time.Learn how to evaluate property for potential profits after repairs are done.Join an investment club and surround yourself with successful people who have already been through the process.Learn about hard money,gap funding,and what it takes to get the money you need when you need it.

As a little background information, I have a degree in General Science from Morehouse college in Atlanta Georgia, a degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering with a concentration in Construction Management from the University of Michigan, and I just graduated in June from the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia with an MBA.

I would concentrate on cookie cutter homes in the $500K price range 3+ Bedrooms.Hope this helps.Good investing...

My father is in the real-estate game and with the previous experience I got, I've realized that this is definitely something i enjoy and would like to pursue.For the passed 3 months I have been concentrating on increasing my real estate investing knowledge daily through books (7), many podcasts and articles as well as youtube videos.

My niece simply wants to be rid of the property so she can concentrate on the home she's in now, even at a loss which is affordable for her and her husband.

She would continue to work at her job and I would quit money and concentrate on the business.

Financially it would be better to remain renting your primary residence and concentrate on purchasing investment properties.Better yet buy a multi unit and live in one unit while upgrading it to increase rents and cash flow..