If not, how do people typically get started with their first deal?

Done.Anytime, thanks for the amazing website and amazing people.

I'm fairly well plugged in and connected to other well regarded people in the industry.

Can someone sent me in the right direction so I can start my research about this topic.Best regards,Leon Korpel Yes you can invest in the US but be aware all those no money down books etc and buy real estate with other peoples money are books to sell a dream.

It truly is a treasure trove of information.Anyhow, I am posting because I want to connect with people who have successfully done STR for their first investment.

Was there around a year ago and saw all the infrastructure, the World Cup, the nice people, great place to live.You're living in a good market.Gino

So many people out there ,  that have online courses.

Yes people lose it all, typically because of over leverage or crazy events like 2008 - but if you also have cash reserves you can offset any downside to minimize risk even moreWhen people start using lines of credit and seller financing at 90-100% you are correct those people have a very high chance of losing it all.

I've heard so many success stories on the BP podcast of people who've done really well with the buy-and-hold strategy and have the freedom to travel and not have to work a 9-5 (unless they want to, of course) and can pursue other interests, so that is a huge dream of mine too.

Once you have those, you'll want to seek out people that have experience with those investment strategies.As for real estate meetups, here is a list of those in Chicago.