Trying to determine my best entrance strategy in real estate investing, so I was wondering what was your strategy to get your first property and how did you finance it?

I'm looking to getting my RE license and am wondering if there are any investor friendly brokers out there (preferably brokers that are REI themselves) that I could be looking to hang my license under when I'm done with my classes.  

I have recently finished my basement out with a full apartment.  

Here is some price information from our event (geographical areas may differ in pricing):"Database price for labor to hang ½” taped, floated, and ready for paint $1.06/SFHeavy Texture, ready for paint 1.22/SFSmooth Wall finish 1.55/SFReady for Texture .90/SFUnfinished, hung only .54/SF"There is normally a 10 to 15% increase in labor prices the insurance companies give you in a disaster. 

The home doesn't have a finished roof, bathroom or kitchen AKA it is not in any sort of livable condition. 

Bigger Pockets Family,    I was wondering if this is legal: Can I ask a tenant to move out early if I am going to move into unit she is leaving anyway?

I'm kind of wondering if paying the capital gains tax might be worth it in this situation.

You are correct, they are totally different and estimating rehab budgets is not accurately done by a per square foot basis unless every one of you rehab projects are so similar that they are the same.I can't give you a price per square foot without knowing the exit value, the finishes, the lot, etc.

I know private investors and hard money are options but I was wondering how others got started if those are in fact the rules?  

I know private investors and hard money are options but I was wondering how others got started if those are in fact the rules?