I wanted to take the plunge and introduce myself.Name: FionaOccupation: IT Project Manager/Business AnalystLocated: Currently in Harlem, New YorkBackground in Real Estate: Absolute NewbieGoals in Real Estate: To get into the game!  

@Oscar FreimanYou play a very dangerous game when you take cash from your IRA.

Finding a building where you can raise the value with general improvements or with better management is going to be the best suggestion I can give, but making the first step and getting "into the game" is the most important step.

I can assure you though, this is not a game for me.

(I am an apartment manager, graphic designer, web designer, social media expert, publicist, writer, festival planner and very connected person in Tacoma). 

I was investing with my partners from 2002-2008 when the great RE debacle occurred and have been out of the game since.My partners and I have decided to put the band back together and begin investing again.

Hi I'm a web developer living in Guadalajara, Jalisco.

There are debates in here and elsewhere about the +/- of the eREITs from Fundrise and since they're pretty new and I don't have any skin in that game, I can't render any meaningful opinion. 

Outside of that, lets begin as to the hopes of my posting.I am currently brand new to the Real Estate game.

@Ahmad Hijazi, @Jay Hinrichs, @Ben Leybovich I don't usually preach books, but Tony Robbins' "MONEY: Master the Game: 7 Simple Steps to Financial Freedom" has some interesting sections where he discusses the definition of "financial freedom".