Cant speak for the other markets but here in College Station, you can get low-interest-rate loans even as an investor through the builder's preferred lender! 

Real Estate has always been a goal of mine since getting out of high school 2 years ago, however I never knew how to get started or what field would be most suitable for me.

Every successful real estate investor has a few "nightmare" properties they have learned important lessons from. 

@Elizabeth BrownCongratulations on wanting to get into real estate.

The one caveat I have about that area is that it is starting to be classified as a declining market.

(Or I missed it, answer is the same either way.)Please make sure you know the security deposit laws/regulations for your market inside out.

I'd love some input on what to do:I am a 40 yrs with a stock market investments of 350K trying to coast fire in the next couple of years.I just got a green card and moving to the US from Canada and looking at which accounts to invest that money in the US.But I am not sure I will stay in the US in 10 or 20 yrs.What do you think would be the best strategy to coast fire when you are not sure where you are going to be in your later years?

. -  In my market they just issue the permit.

Best of luck on your real estate adventures.

@Jay Hinrichs Yes still good money in flips and new builds to be made especially with off market deals.