I'm a software engineer from Miami, FL but I am looking forward to start diving into some buy and hold properties and begin producing some passive income for my future.I also enjoy accounting and keeping an eye on my finances. 

I decided that if I was going to get started in real estate investing (which my heart was now set on) I would begin by diving into the part that was most exciting to me (besides financial freedom).

I keep my eye out on the MLS and the county auctions for potential Waukesha rental properties, but I've come to the conclusion that unless I dig a lot deeper, the rehab and sell or BRRR strategies are going to work better as an initial entry into the city than a straight rental.

Just saving money and perfecting my credit score before I dive in.I was planning on taking the plunge a few months ago with another BP member but the deal fell out of contract before anything could be done.As soon as I have more time on my hands next year I may start searching for the first property to invest in as well as listen to those awesome pod casts.Other than that welcome!

@Chad Bowman I wish I had a better answer for you, but I am just starting out and haven't dived into REI enough to provide any useful figures.

Personally, I'd recommend diving in and purchasing a multi-family right off the bat.  

I am reaching out to the BP community for any advice or guidance from experienced investors on how to get my feet wet before diving into real estate in the coming years.My thinking was to reach out to some wholesalers or flippers on long island to see if there is anything I can do to help their business such as driving for dollars, direct mail, or taking calls in return for them teaching me about the business before I head to Philly in 8/17. 

And with similar purchases would I would go deeper and deeper in the negatives for net worth? 

I'd like to make my first purchase within the next 1.5 years, if not less, and am trying to gain as much knowledge as possible before I dive in.Please reach out to me if you'd like to connect!

That is how you would get yourself into deeper trouble.