Generating wealth takes time, and planning the right steps to achieve this 'freedom.'

I quickly saw that path led to a long miserable 30-40 year career with little freedom and flexibility to find time to enjoy life and family.

While I don't think it will be easy, I can't help but hear @Scott Trench's advice from Set For Life--"The benefit to performance-based pay is that earnings can theoretically be unlimited...if you want to have a shot at earning way more money or at achieving financial freedom early in life, you will likely have to give up a regular salary in a traditional career to attain it." 

So I’m 17 years old and been into real estate since I was 15 but I just want some tips on how I can get started maybe not buying houses already but with some tips on how someone with my age can get more knowledge and not just start buying houses but not knowing the pros and cons and to also get a boost on financial freedom instead of working my whole life like I’m always told by my parents that i have to 

I was worried about zoning issues though.Ray S: I talked to a very unhelpful woman at the permitting office who said that if I want an answer to this question, I have to fill out a Freedom of Information act form and jump through all sorts of hoops.

Most people don't have the financial freedom to work for free.

There are self-directed 401(k)s that allows you more freedom but not utilized by many..

The way I see it so far is that not only will I [eventually] be able to have my own practice and freedom that comes along with that, but I also like the fact that I will become an expert in real estate valuation thus giving me an edge when it comes to analyzing deals. 

Not to say LA/SoCal can't be good for investing, but if passive income via monthly cash flow is what you want for financial freedom or flexibility, you won't get that here.

@Dennis FernandezMy goal is to have freedom!