Once you have some real life education  and by being in the RE business you will start to meet those wealthy no time on the hands professionals that would love a smart agent to help them invest.. you now are working from a power position.

That way you can make some money and learn how to do things the right way (or the wrong way, and hopefully you're smart enough to figure out why it's wrong). 

(I ain't very smart)  I have listened to all the BP Podcasts 2 times through and it has helped me learn a TON about REI and I would recommend the same to anyone! 

Most people are smart enough to see through "salesman speak" so you're real leverage is in the details of the numbers on that project.  .....but it never hurts to ask for a discount..... 

He is used to doing everything (plumbing, electrical, countertops, cabinets, etc) himself, but smart enough to ask for help when necessary. 

We are completely new to the industry, but we're smart and ready to learn!! 

You're adults, you're mature, you're smart, and you're no pushovers. 

Congrats on being smart enough to jump out here and ask for advice here rather than just paying a guru a lot of money for very little results.

If you stay smart and you find something great soon enough, then why not?

Currently work as a medical device consultant, but would like to make real estate investing my full time career (sooner then later).