Had no idea what I was doing, but had a full time "career" at that time (and probably ~$1,000 in my bank account).

yes I made some mistakes early in my REI career too.

I will say that it has provided for a financially rewarding career, but has been a large hindrance. 

Thank you, Johnny Won't Everyone Be Doing The Same Thing....This is the perennial question in Real Estate.I don't know if I would qualify as a Top Producing Agent, but in my career (highest year in production was 75 Solo transactions) I would from time to time hire, or mentor newer agents.Your perception that your reluctance to working with a young inexperienced agent is not always true.  

We plan on living in it for the next year or so and then turning it into a rental property when my husband's military career moves us elsewhere.    

My advice at this point in my REI career is:  do anything but buy and hold 3/2s 1985 or newer you have a room full of competition (and more).  

There are many of us who are glad to be gainfully employed in worthwhile careers and we invest in real estate too. 

It's very cut-throat and It's a career that works if you've been in it for many years. 

Bringing sweat equity to the table might be worth your time at the front end of your investing career, but eventually your time will be worth more than what you can save by doing the work yourself.  

Looking forward to connecting with all of you and kicking off my career!