For those just starting out: keep taking consistent action and small steps.

Start with BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginners Guide (free).

My name is Chelsea and I am new to investing as well!

The BEST method for real estate investing is very simple: increase earnings, reduce expenditures, save, and invest from your own funds.You should focus on increasing earnings and learning how to manage your budget.

Start with BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginners Guide (free).

I would suggest starting with what types of investments you would like to get into and goals.

Real Estate Investing can be an exciting and rewarding venture, offering the potential for significant financial returns and the opportunity to create wealth over time.

For those who have invested in both, what were your biggest lessons learned?

Now, that meetup is in South County, on the MO side, but brings in folks from Belleville, Fairview, Collinsville, Cahokia, and all over the St Louis area.Now, there is a monthly GRID meetup in Edwardsville that brings in folks from the metro-east, as well.Generally, going to any real estate meetups in the St Louis area will find you someone who also invests in Belleville.I also invest in Cahokia, John.

Start by reading the Ultimate Real Estate Investing Guide: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guides/ultimate-real-estate-investing-guide/introduction2.