I have played in 8 different countries and on every national stage and NBA arena you can think of, but I get much more of a thrill out of learning and growing in real estate investing. I'd like to share my journey her...

You have some big questions here and I love adding value to others on the path, so here is my take:First, money on the sideline is like an athlete not in the game . . . as you wrestle through these large, existential questions you could kill a few birds with one stone and find someone who already invests in real estate and partner with them on a deal. 

Heavy interest into weight lifting and most things athletic.

I'm an old eductor and athletic coach, so I always go back to the fundamentals and try to break everything down into simple steps that make common sense.  

I entered college studying athletic training and switched from that after my first full year because I couldn't see myself pursuing that industry.

You'll get burned once and then realize why everyone on these forums always says to put everything in a written contract.Always remember that when stuff goes wrong, everyone, EVERYONE, even you and me becomes self-serving and looks out for their best interest first.Pro athletes and musicians provide plenty of examples of how relationships change with family members when money enters the equation haha.

I could remember reading “Rich Dad Poor Dad” in the first offseason after my rookie year (after blowing over $20,000 in expenses in my first month off after our season was over which to this date I have no idea what I spent it on) and said to myself “If I keep going at this rate I am going to become another 73% statistic of athletes going broke after the NFL.”

Lenders - I almost want you to think of lenders like athletes.  

I also played professional hockey so I have a connection with professional athletes for a talking point.  

Many professional athletes make Poway their home.