Since I am entering this field in the latter part of my life (63), I do not want 'long-term' investments as I am not interested in making millions, but having enough for the remainder of my life to 'Vive La Vida Loca'!

Larger brokerages sometimes are in need of administrative work, which could earn you a steady income while also getting exposure to the field. 

@Jeremy Beland is a good person to connect with on this.Ratings won't help you in this field and you shouldn't be looking for big coaching programs as those are just overview coaching and not focused.

Does anyone have any advice for people starting out in this competitive field?

Kenny,As a lifelong real estate investor and a broker with over 30 years of experience specializing in multi-family properties, I can confidently say that success in this field is all about building relationships.

It’s invaluable to hear from someone with your depth of experience in the field!

The only thing that bests fear is courage and we only need a mustard seed of that to get things going...People often spend money on college and never go in to the field they spent that money on...the greatest lessons and the ones most remembered are learned 'on the job'.Wishing you more good news in the future and an exceptional 2025. 

BTW there is a free trial and the Starter monthly plan is $119.It also allows you to search through consumer information such as property owner "credit worthiness," Credit card usage, buying power, age, language, family members in the house, and many other fields that are above and beyond property characteristics, which is unique.

Want to hear opinion from the experts in the field here. 

I've observed that many positions in this field require proficiency in Yardi.