I wanted to take the plunge and introduce myself.Name: FionaOccupation: IT Project Manager/Business AnalystLocated: Currently in Harlem, New YorkBackground in Real Estate: Absolute NewbieGoals in Real Estate: To get into the game!  

@Oscar FreimanYou play a very dangerous game when you take cash from your IRA.

Finding a building where you can raise the value with general improvements or with better management is going to be the best suggestion I can give, but making the first step and getting "into the game" is the most important step.

I can assure you though, this is not a game for me.

He has consistently bought one property a year.Get established with a local REIA (Real Estate Investors Association) and network for a seller finance or potential partnership where you bird dog a deal and have someone bring in capital that doesn't want to manage it (some skin in the game will always help get someone else off the sidelines and bring them to your deal.If you have solid credit call local banks/credit unions.  

I was investing with my partners from 2002-2008 when the great RE debacle occurred and have been out of the game since.My partners and I have decided to put the band back together and begin investing again.

There are debates in here and elsewhere about the +/- of the eREITs from Fundrise and since they're pretty new and I don't have any skin in that game, I can't render any meaningful opinion. 

Outside of that, lets begin as to the hopes of my posting.I am currently brand new to the Real Estate game.

@Ahmad Hijazi, @Jay Hinrichs, @Ben Leybovich I don't usually preach books, but Tony Robbins' "MONEY: Master the Game: 7 Simple Steps to Financial Freedom" has some interesting sections where he discusses the definition of "financial freedom".

I am reading and planning to get in the game.