Our local Code Enforcement group was cut from 7 employees in the field to 5, due to budget cuts, and they have more to do than just pull down signs.

If I had done as the other posters suggested, and got employment in a real estate related field, I probably would have been able to have accelerated my 13 year time frame.Even though I started with nothing, I managed to beat the odds and have accomplished more than I ever imagined would be possible.

I'd advise you NOT to get any more degrees [like I foolishly did] unless it's needed to take some state test allowing you to practice your profession -- like a Juris Doctorate to become a lawyer, BS in nursing to become an RN, or any other field requiring a college degree before taking a state test to enter into a profession..

One way is changing careers and working in a field that is involved in real estate.

That expertise can only be learned in the field.

That plus your dad seems to have already gotten some field info out there you could use.

I'm an Army type, enlisted and later commissioned.Reminds me that after WWII Korea and Viet Nam I'd say most men in construction and related RE fields were vets.

Nothing beats that but actually getting in the field and talking to some of these people.

I am new to the field, but I'm assuming that I could find a hard money loan if I were willing to go that route without too much trouble, marketplace or no marketplace).

I'm hoping to field some advice from the biggerpockets crowd on how to handle this situation.