It will help you to know there are many forums available on a wide variety of subjects.

There are a good variety of schools out there and programs that teach real estate and business that are real good. 

Here's some quick background on me: 1) 32 years old, born & raised in Chicago2) Dad is a lifelong entrepreneur and it's in my DNA3) Was president of an internet tech startup with 60 FT employees, sold it last summer for about $25MM4) Advise and mentor a variety of businesses and write for Entrepreneur Magazine 5) Bought 2 commercial buildings in Humboldt Park and looking to move into residential rehabs and flips in 2015My goal is to buy $300k+ single family homes on the northside of Chicago and northern suburbs with the goal of rehabbing and flipping.

I'm currently tied up in electrical classes to gain my associates degree, and as far as real estate I'm reading a variety of top rated books to cover private lending, taxes, construction, flipping houses, and rental properties.

But you’ll find a variety of every type of investor on the site, and everyone is amazingly helpful.

Most lenders in this program won't allow it for a whole variety of reasons....they also don't allow self-help....and you will need a licensed GC who is a validated HUD contractor in order to use the loan program.

Go onto the clubs website my local favorite is Eastern Massachusetts REIA http://www.EasternMassREIA.com When looking at a club I want to see a variety of activities and educational opportunities.

But you’ll find a variety of all strategies here on the website.

In any case, focus on networking with a variety lenders, especially those that are local to where you’re investing.

MA also offers a variety of financing, outside of FHA, that is state sponsored, so talking to lenders that can elaborate on that would give you a good competitive edge in the market today.