I think that it could be a great opportunity to work there first for a couple of years to (1) learn about the whole process/environment from a bird's eye view and (2) obtain contacts and connections that would be beneficial if I were to transfer to the business side. 

In case you are interested - I wrote about my experience finding mentors in this "Ultimate Guide to Finding Incredible Mentors" - I hope that it helps you with your search!

If you're new to the site, start spending some time here, and you'll learn an incredible amount that will benefit you on your journey as a RE investor.Regarding first time home buyer benefits, I hope that no one on this site will advise you to commit fraud by using the benefit when buying a rental property that you do not intend to live in.  

In case you are interested - I wrote about my experience finding mentors in this "Ultimate Guide to Finding Incredible Mentors" - I hope that it helps you with your search!

Thanks to all of you who continue to post valuable info on BP and thanks to BP for creating such an incredible forum.

In case you are interested - I wrote about my experience finding mentors in this "Ultimate Guide to Finding Incredible Mentors" - I hope that it helps you with your search!

You're correct to get as much info as possible before jumping in, as Oakland is becoming more and more difficult an environment for landlords.  

Real estate might be local but the different property types and different markets nationally and internationally are incredibly complex.

If you are interested in finding Mentors, I recently wrote "The Ultimate Guide to Finding Incredible Mentors"- check it out!

Incredibly, the local Nationwide office has tasked the self-described "receptionist" with disclosing all the bad news and checking up to see if I've made the necessary improvements for staying with Nationwide and paying more for an entirely unexplained revaluation.