Whether you use Brookview or another hard money lender or private lender, you'll have a deal under your belt and will have learned tons. 6.

In a recent podcast that interviewed Brandon Turner that I heard, if you listen in between the lines, you’ll discover even he is having enormous challenges with his apartment building in Cincinnati.It’s likely why he’s more excited about his mobile home parks and syndication deals now.It’s a common theme through the Midwest,I think.Don’t just talk to brokers and local stake holders with vested interests...Speak to investors who have actually risked capital.They’ll tell you the cold hard truth about investing in the snow belt.

Plus they have a very nicely designed tax-advantaged 1031 exchange conveyor belt, which allows you to defer paying taxes indefinitely.

I have been reading quite a bit but realize need to get a deal or two under my belt.

Once we have a few deals under our belt, we will be using that money for a down payment on a fix and flip and then a  rental property 

This is great to hear, I think I am overthinking this first one under my belt, but just want to cover all angles.

@Adam Lowe If you haven't considered house hacking already, that is a great place to start investing and you can get some easy property management experience under your belt as well!

@John TeachoutHi John, I really like your outlook on this.. my gut is telling me what you’re saying I think.. kind of want to start as low risk as possible and get some real experience “under my belt”.

It seems that it's a bit easier when you have deals under your belt.

This is starting out at least to get a few sales under my belt to get some form of income coming in before you start to work your way up.I was also told to spend a little time on Zillow and craigslist and try to get some of the FSBO’s to list with me, and possibly use me to find their next house if they are looking.I was also told about mentoring with a seasoned agent.