I have studies numerous approaches, and most seem about the same: look for properties at the same time you're looking for investors and then connect the two.

Take your time and get your feet wet one project at a time.

I moved back home to New York City about a year and a half ago for another opportunity and in May began working as a broker in Manhattan to get my feet wet with this real estate thing.

To be honest, if it were me I'd make sure I'd stay diversified, meaning keep your feet wet in the market due to the fact that over the long haul the S&P 500 has average around 11% before inflation and find a way to invest in Real Estate that doesn't create to much risk at first.

Also, make sure you have "wet funds" to actually purchase the property on the 1st closing.

@ WG I am also a new rookie in town just getting my feet wet.

The thought of that horrifies me, but it must not be too bad--I was just pleasantly surprised to find I qualify for a loan that's significantly higher than the price range I've been shopping in.So now I'm trying to determine whether it makes good sense to carry more debt to go in big for more units, better neighborhoods, higher rents or to just play it safe, borrowing less/buying cheaper, maybe starting with a duplex to get my feet wet.

It helps big time and definitely wet the appetite to own more rental property.Can't wait to hear about the details on your first true investment.

I know there was one large firm, which I won't name, doing numerous flips in this area, and I just couldn't figure them having decent spreads based on their holding time, price drops etc...The quality of work seemed poor as well.

. ;-) How many should I start with to get my feet wet, to refine my message, to get my phone conversation down?