Hi everyone I'm new to the forums I'm in the chicago area and would like to know if anyone knows of a good reia club around the area, my question is should I try to rent out my town home and buy a sf home and make it as my primary residence to avoid the 20% down payment and only pay 3.5% I guess my question is is this a good way to start a real estate career , thanx to anyone that responds

I used to be an agent and let my license lapse because I went into the medical field.

I'll definitely be looking into that REI group @Tom Fields , and will probably see you there eventually.

Those fields are VERY POWERFUL but can be simple to use on a basic level.  

@Jeff Barnes   what do your charge for this service.in the day this was a 2k to 3k cost to set up.. as everyone and their brother jumped into the field the cost went down substantially.. so when I see 500 to 600 to facilitate that is a great deal.. how bout you?

I have never had so many real estate contacts in my entire career of investing and it feels good to hang out with others who been through it too and who are also looking for new ways to connect and do business - it can be very invigorating. 

Best of luck in your real estate career!

I have no problem doing the leg work providing he gives me the blue print I’ve been looking for to turn real estate into my career.

Since you know you want to do it, it may be an alternative to consider while also taking a "day job" in some related field (title company, realtor, lender, etc). 

I've been contemplating if I want a career change into REI but it seems so out of reach.