I saved extra money, and made a larger than normal down payment, and used a combination of a private loan and a heloc to swing my first property deal. 

@Kit Dumph the truth is just about any broker will hire her.

Get Real Estate Brokerage licenseRequires me to have a real estate license for 5 year and practice the last 2 year prior to getting the brokerage license.12/2021-3/2022 Real Estate Licensing FEE(does not include REALTOR Or BROKERAGE FEE) Real Estate Class (Audio books, Extras) 299 Application Fee 89 Fingerprinting 60 Practice Test 20 Test Fee 32 Post Test Class 119 Subtotal 619 GMAT Book 144 Test 250 Subtotal 394 MBA Pre-requisite module 3000 In-state Tuition 16617.24 Online Class Fee 1800 Documentation Fee 100 Subtotal 21517.24 CPA Self-Study Review Course 1300 Apply for 2 section AUD + BEC 536.60 Apply for 2 section FAR + REG 536.60 Reapply For REG (Retake Exam) 271.25 Self-Study ethics exam 125 Initial CPA certificate application 165 Subtotal 2934.45 Summary of fee Excluding Brokerage License Real Estate License 619 GMAT 394 MBA 21517.24 CPA 2934.45 Real Estate Brokerage License ------ Subtotal 25464.69 So this is my plan thus far.

Did we learn anything, yes but alot of half-truths too.Came home and created a Nevada S-Corp and put an LLC under it, assuming we would go national.Property bought was in Calif, so more expense to Foreign File both entities.Started looking into creating my own Property Mgmt (PM) business to control out-of-state holdings.Then I learned:PM requires a broker's license or to be under his control almost everywhereThat stopped National expansionwhich then made the S-Corp and LLC unnecessary (to me; I accepted personal risk)Did get good liability insurance and suggest an extra Umbrella policy if you're going to buy&hold (aka become a landlord).

He is a good person to follow if you want the truth about investing and what does and does not work.At the same time if I can help answer any questions ask away.Alex

I figured the extra money through tenant rent and (eventually) investment would be very helpful with my lifelong goals. although I know there will be a challenge of fixing or maintaining the house would not be easy, I am up for the challenge. 

Its worth the extra few minutes out of your day, especially if there is a mail thief!

I'm a newbie agent here in Ohio and want to help out my friends as best I can, and prove that I am willing to go the extra mile.  

Background: I'm looking to purchase a 2-4 unit using FHA (and with this specific deal 203k) to begin my process of becoming a real estate investor by at least living for free with a little extra. 

That extra 5% in your pocket might be helpful.The personal loan monthly payment will count against your debt-to-income ratio.