But listen, we have no kids, very little revolving debt, a big cushion of savings and capital, and Id like to think a firm grasp of know how on the industry (I’m a residential realtor).

Again, other might feel differently here.b) Skin in the game: as a conservative investor, I understand that the dirty secret of industries that the waterfall compensation is in the line with me and incentivizes sponsors to take more risk.

I also work in an industry that is attached heavily to the stock market, so this year could be a bit of a roller coaster.

Just because the real estate industry needed some means by which to justify the price for which a property was/is being offered does not  have any effect on the "value" of the the property...before/after/during a renovation, a sale, or a fire.   

I work in the self-directed IRA and 401k industry which is primarily focused on retirement accounts that can be setup to allow investments into real estate and other alternative assets.

You could work in the industry in a wide variety of positions and learn from some big dogs.

I find specializing makes it easier to really add value to the transaction, and I don't want agents on my team that are going to be distracted by their retail clients and the different marketing that is required for that segment of the industry.

I have been facilitating the use of mobile marketing for years to my clients in other industries.  

Was hoping for some advice or tips from anyone who understands the credit industry or went through something similar.PROBLEM: So this weekend my wife and I went to meet a couple lenders to get a pre approval letter so we could purchase our first Multi Family.

It would also make sense to me that the REITs might be less affected by the ups and downs of the overall stock market because it's involved with the real estate industry which seems to be more stable than the stock market as of late.I appreciate the perspective and will for sure hold my money in my savings account until I hear a convincing argument in favor of the passive income offered by REITs and if the math works in my favor based on the way that argument presents itself.Thank you for your time!