I just paid the Mass transit tax on my cars this weekend.

I own a lighting distribution and manufacturing company and have seen the transition first hand. 

Needless to say I am in transition and hope to make real estate my full-time occupation.I would appreciate tips that can be offered on how to get started educating myself; best first steps; how to connect with group?

If the area is in transition from low income to gentrification then the commercial is a good bet.

If so you don't need any number to buy.If you are getting financing then you want to figure out what your lender requires.Probably SSN, but occasionally ITIN can work, but very restrictive standards if they allow.If you sell you want SSN, otherwise the title company I believe will hold 20% of the proceeds and remit to the government, then you have to file tax return to get it back or the balance left over after taxes.For taxes you want to always check with your CPA.....you want to make sure to pay all the taxes due if you are not a citizen as it could affect your visa or transition status if you don't.

@Joshuah FowlerFannie Mae doesn't lend to LLC's, but this is an easy transition and shouldn't require another 6 months, especially if it's a single member LLC.PM me and I'll get you in touch with a good title company that may be able to handle it for you.Stpehanie

Now that I have it set up how I like, I can transition it to a VA or my kids/wife...or just keep doing it myself...only takes a couple of hours each month for 34 units and the reporting is invaluable for me.

One inherited did the transition.

I live in the SF bay area and after spending some time in tech, I am looking at transitioning to commercial real estate investing to build our portfolio.  

This gave them time to review the documents, think of questions, and was a smooth transition.