"The problem is not the problem, your attitude about the problem is the problem " - Capt.

I appreciated your knowledge, positive attitude and inclusive nature. 

Maybe be 51 instead of 31 gives off more of a “don’t mess with me” attitude. :-)

Punctuality, appearance, demeanor, attitude, etc.

Especially in most programs that I've studied, there seems to be a common underlying attitude of "God forbid that anyone should make a happy buck from this."  

It sounds like you have a good attitude about this which we know is key to success in the end.

A very hard market to work in but I really enjoy the New York attitude.

The foot you step on today may be attached to the ___ you kiss in the future :D Keep the business attitude, and negotiate like a pro!

That attitude won't impress a lot of people on this site, but we're happy with what it's gotten us as a side-hustle.  

My suggestions from this point forward ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Do not mention you played professional sports anymore( gold diggers / con artist / etc )Do not put “professional athlete” in your online bio( maybe mention the college you attended )Attend your local rei clubs meetings as average joe (do not be flashy at all while working with realtors and investors – clothes ,jewelry, costly meals, transportation )If you can play another season or two go ahead– offset your initial real estate investing costsMaybe consider being a real estate agent near your local college “Shaq” move -> local popularity to sell propertiesWatch ESPN “Broke” Directed by Billy CorbenAct & talk like your average joe when working with agents / investorsStart out at a small modest rate when investing avoid friends/family members looking for hand outs - jobs , cash , etcAvoid real estate gurus– Do not go all or nothing attitude when you start out investingGo through Bigger pockets threads during your down timeTeam up with people you can trust and get alone with Use other people money when possible (private money)– local and overseas connections- stay away from hard money loans , if possibleReally know your local market your investing inMaybe hire a property management to work with tenants (tenants might act stupid,, if they think you already have money)(property mgmt - always double check their numbers)(do not be afraid to fire someone when need )Real Estate investing is a business ( you can be ahead or down really fast )Good luck