BP community drove me to get off the sidelines and into the game my my first deal!

Hi, My Name is Tom and I am new to the BP community although a long time listener.I am getting started in the REI game and looking to learn a lot and potentially meet/partner with others locally.I’m currently living in Ulster County, NY (Ellenville).I purchased my first residential property about 9 years ago and have been considering a number of Multi-Family/Unit options locally and in the Columbia/Irmo, SC area.Outside of my interest in Real Estate I also enjoy traveling, Craft Beer (I brew my own!)

Not a game changer unless they are 90 years old .

My husband and I are ready to get back into the game.

We bought our properties using our savings and didn't use the VA until very late in the game, some 30 houses. 

Just make it short.I'd send a personalized LOI with 3 offer scenarios- cash, with SF and an MLO.He can peruse briefly and know high level specifics.An offer to coffee or lunch will have him running to his Aspen Chalet, especially if you're also trying to 'create a business relationship as a mentee or agent' this early in the game. 

This is a numbers game.

I am brand new to the game and have an opportunity to get off on the right foot (or so I would like to believe).

Their criteria are rigid and hard to meet in this current climate, so I'm concerned that if I go that route and it takes 1-2 years to get in the game then I'm missing a lot of learning opportunities from just buying my own small deal to learn the ropes. 

I’m sure it isn’t the best deal in the world but I feel like I need to jump into the game to get hands on experience.