But I could buy a restaurant, buy the building and sell the restaurant to another entrepreneur, trading my down payment on the property for a great building with a highly leveraged, lower interest commercial loan. 

My favorite is COREE (Central Ohio Real Estate Entrepreneurs), but there is also CPIA (Columbus Property Investors Association) and the standard Columbus REIA monthly meeting.  

As to other ventures in connection with RE, steel fabrication business, car lots, grocery store, auto service garage, construction firm/general contractor, C-store/car wash and a bar, cafe, lake resort.These came arising from basically partnering as a credit or business partner (or both) for under capitalized entrepreneurs who couldn't swing the RE purchase or lease of facilities.

I recommend you join the local Real Estate Investors Associations (REIA) to be around like-minded individualsFor real estate investors in Oklahoma City, we have:1st Thursday of every month www.mpreia.com 2nd Thursday of every month www.okcreia.comFor entrepreneurship & business in Oklahoma City, we have:2nd Wednesday of every month "Coffee with Entrepreneurs" www.okceg.com4th Thursday of every month www.OKCEntrepreneurGroup.comI am a local real estate mentor and business coach so if you ever need guidance and accountability I might be a resource to you.Enjoy the day,Ron HarrisThe Renascent Entrepreneur

I am a avid entrepreneur looking to be "free" by 28.

Hey All - I thought I'd share a pretty good profile of BiggerPockets / me in Entrepreneur.  

Hello Forum,  My name is Edward and a year ago I was inspired by Robert Kiyosaki (author and entrepreneur) to begin a journey into real estate investing.  

Most entrepreneurs are very busy and have to allocate resources where they see the most potential for profit.

I eventually want to be financially free to experiment as an entrepreneur, and escape my 9-5 to do real estate full-time.

In a capitalist society only two types of people can really be free....entrepreneurs, and investors.