I began studying REI about a month ago.

Regarding the mentorship, this post may be prove to be a great read: How Do I Find A Mentor?

If you have a niche in mind, maybe you can focus the majority of your studies on that.

Tenants who conserve won't want to pay for those who are wasteful and you have no way of proving who uses how much.

I have been studying Regulation A private placements for a few days since they seem to be recommended by folks knowledgeable with the securities law changes since The JOBS Act passed.

Start collecting your keys and study conventional financing first and then move on to other arrangements, you need to understand conventional first!

Hi Dave: Once I get a few case studies I will look to start fund raising and using OPM.

Done with back-story....on to my questions: I have been studying and saving money for about 8 months now.

@Jess BarkerNothing wrong with studying up and laying a solid foundation before you start building your real estate portfolio.

I believe that studying early gives you confidence to make moves once you have the resources to execute on your dreams/plans, and that's important because it takes guts and confidence to invest.