I work 30 hours a week at an excellent, well paying job that covers up to $5k/semester in tuition reimbursement.

Depending on where it's at you may need to rip out the drywall and drywall work is an art you'll get quotes from cheap guys who learned how to spackle a couple weeks ago and your walls will look uneven and a mess and then you'll get quotes from guys who know what they're doing. 

I do believe now is an excellent time for the wise investor to find some great deals, and there are plenty of people on this platform that can help guide you in the right directions (myself included) as long as they're asking you the right questions. 

But more like old brick buildings in the “Cork Arts District” and make exposed rafters type buildings into big city style lofts.

There are definitely situations in which going to school is an excellent idea, but I don't think a recommendation for college as a baseline is where things should be.I personally recommend that everyone actually think about what they want to do with their life and start there.

You will certainly want to associate yourself with someone who is excellent at training and doing the types of transactional real estate you want to be involved in.If you have any questions please feel free to reach out.

Now I'm ready to balance the time I spend with my head in books and excel with getting my hands dirty and directly making things happen.

It makes excellent cash flow and I have been wanting to find a multi-family property to invest in. 

I want to invest in Arlington/Grand Prairie, Fort Worth, or near Bishop Arts District and am looking for a single-family or duplex/triplex property.

@Brian Kueck that is an excellent plan!