hi schelleyI have an excellent realtor who knows how to find the off market deals I have worked with for a few years and I would be happy to share his contact info with you.

Following the advise here, a multifamily house seems to be an excellent way to start.

There are many issues to navigate but it is doable with excellent returns.  

I have taken 2 courses with John Cochran, and while I value his experience and the excellent rehab information taught on his courses, I want to point out that I also felt ripped off after paying for them.

I have an excellent relationship with him, he is a great guy and I would truly hate to see him go.

There are some excellent deals in stockton, manteca, Tracy for entry level, new or very experienced investor willing to drive a little extra and have a bigger wallet, for what you can buy in bay area, you may buy an entire apartment complex or multi-family.  

. ;) As for the business entity, I haven't gotten it set up just yet, but I am acquainted with an excellent US/Canada tax and asset protection lawyer who is an expert in that matter and he can help me with it once I have the property ready to go.

@Larry Fried and Account Closed I just finished the beginners guide and real estate rewind and they were both excellent!

@Corey Petersen Welcome to BP, as @Taylor Shields mentioned, Rarebird is an excellent group.

They are both excellent!