I feel that I use the creative side of my brain more often as an investor vs when I'm wearing my agent hat.

Other than figuring out some creative financing whats my next step?

But started buying junk properties for under $10,000 using all the creative formulas I could think of (credit cards, commercial over draft protection, credit lines, partners, lots of Subject to Existing Mortgages, delayed settlement, flips and seller/contractor partnering). 

Also, thank you so much for the "Creative" elements you described (incorporating fees, financing them, etc).

Real estate investing has SO many creative options to use to build wealth.

Home owner said "No " of CourseSo my own creativity kicked in,  Offer the same 175k, however up the ante with 2k more to help seller move  who's going through a "Divorce", and assigned the contract to me. 

I would have pushed creative deals to buy without cash, to help grow faster, and I would have used 1031 transfers to grow even faster instead of selling and then buying more properties.

If I decide to go into real estate investing immediately after college, rather then getting a job with a salary, I'll probably be forced to invest creatively in the beginning.

Your time here will be well spent.Since you expressed an interest in rentals, I added three links below for your review.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/03/27/financing-options-rental-property-guide/ (financing options for rentals)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/01/04/how-to-rent-your-house/ (house rental guide)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/02/22/buying-rental-property/ (how to buy a rental property)Now that you have made the move, below are some links that will help with the navigation of the site. http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSetting up Keyword AlertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/ruleshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/inviteshttps://www.udemy.com/biggerpockets-real-estate-investing-course/ (video with 64 lectures and approx 6hrs of material)https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing (Ultimate beginner's guide to REI)Before your 1st purchase, please ensure you visit the below link for some tips.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/12/19/real-estate-investing-success-smart-tips/REI books suggested by BPershttps://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/13/7-real-estate-books-beginner-investors/ (7 absolute must read books for beginner REIs)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

I've always been interested in architecture and houses and while the trig classes as an undergraduate in Architecture ensured that I wouldn't be the next Frank Lloyd Wright, my love of design still stays with me.