My goals this year are to break into the real estate industry as a top preforming agent, but also start to build my investment portfolio, as well.

This type of property is called flex space, or light industrial or light warehouse depending on who is naming and where it is located.

I decided to become a licensed agent because I wanted to have access to the MLS, as well as, learn more about the industry.  

While I'm still at the stage of figuring this whole industry out, it's inspiring to hear the amazing successes of others.  

Networking is key in this industry.

Because I'm not a smart guy, or a savvy investor, I don't know how much cap rate traditionally swings in a particular market, but even if it only goes from 6% to 9% (which my research says was the industry average in the early 2000s) my property value drops ~33%, and now I'm looking at being upside down in a loan I need to refinance (because I'm at the end of my term.)

RE is an industry that tends to reward those who stay liquid and wait for things to fall into their lap.

My background is professional sales and marketing, and I grew up in the home improvement/construction industry.

@Chris Wilson you can certainly buy a home with what the industry calls "gift funds".  

The day job I reference places me in the construction and heavy industrial world as the corporate safety manager for a mid sized company.