We downsized from a mortgage-free $600K home in a pricey market to a $100K home in Las Vegas, and have the excess available for investing. These two homes are the only ones we have ever owned. I'm not comfortable with...

Use the father's money very sparingly while you make all of your first-timer mistakes and build some experience and a process. 

If you network with the right people it really is not difficult and you should easily be able to do it in your spare time.As a real estate agent, you should concentrate on retail sales to make the most commission for the least amount of work.

I settled on a 3/1 1100 sq ft bungalow in Harper Woods which got Grosse Pointe Schools (Very desirable school district).In order to help pay my living expenses, I decided to rent out the spare bedrooms in my house.

I'll spare the details, but this was one of my learning moments.  

All the appliances are staying with some spare ones in the basement. 

If you are willing to give up spare time outside your day job and perform work other than electrical, it can be a good way to get a step up financially.

I hope your 2015 goals happen with a little more time to spare:)

When I went to pick up the original leases, keys, and applications I was informed that they did not have a spare key for Unit B.

Books, podcasts, blogs, forums, networking, etc....I'm doing my best at expanding my knowledge, and once I land back in the States (in February) I'm hoping to hit the ground running, find a great job in the real estate investment industry, and keep moving forward with my own personal investing goals.So if you have a spare minute...I'd love to hear from anyone who wants to connect!