@Christopher WestSounds like your day job eats a lot of your time; I am in the same boat. 

One of the main reasons why I want to do real estate is because after losing my job last because to a merger, I wanted to have another way to provide for my family and to reach financial independence one day.My goal is to become a buy and hold investor, buying duplexes and multi-families in my area and possibly out of state. 

I also deliver the printer's marketing material along with my letters, so I get a discount on the print jobs.

My question is this: how old do I have to be to start investing (assuming I have a good paying job?)

What I suggest is getting a job for a few years that allows you to save some money and improve your credit.

Now is the time to seriously sit down and do some research as I have a new job which gives me a lot of downtime to study real estate and contribute to this wonderful community.

Great job all!

Jess and I moved up from Miami, FL to pursue my dream job of becoming an airline pilot.

I have not been at my job long enough for my overtime to count so I have to wait 6 months to get financing.  

I am am trying to get out of my W2 job and live on passive income from my rentals.