Basically is $0 cash flow on 1st year worth it?

 a few months no.. if you dont plan to use it ever.. as for basic education in regards to vocabulatory etc. the pre license courses are cheap and you will learn things.

I currently work as a Project Controller managing budgets for the company I am employed by but excited to use my savings to pursue real estate in whatever capacity I can.

So, when you are searching, I would look for spaces that have good bones and already have the bigger projects done.

Interesting, what is the project about?

Do you want to take on the large project of a flip and sell, and walk away with a lump sum of capital, or do you want to buy and hold -- putting in the needed renovations to make it renter friendly and then getting a tenant into the property to pay off the asset?

I'm from Toledo and I'd love to do projects there but the numbers don't work where I'm from.

That said, where are you at with the project?

Looking for a small multifamily project on the east coast of Florida.

Optimized doesn't just mean your digital environment, but all the basics like making sure the rooms look photogenic and have an Instagrammable moment, having backups off all bedding and replaceable items so your property always looks like the pictures, setting up strategic partnerships with local businesses, tour guides, etc...As far as management - make sure to have a handful of cleaners and contractors on good terms.