I think the number one issue most people new to the game struggle with is how to obtain money to fund their deals.

Many new investors start off "too hot" and end up overdeveloping their first property or spending their money too fast - either of these behaviors will preclude you from achieving even your short-term goals and may knock you out of the game.

Many new investors start off "too hot" and end up overdeveloping their first property or spending their money too fast - either of these behaviors will preclude you from achieving even your short-term goals and may knock you out of the game.

I'm interested to hear how it works out for you, the financing end of the game always seems to be where the money is made.  

I would never accept a tenant on the promise that they will "quit" smoking without considerable skin in the game.

I do have a third method being cash out refi the property that was renovated, however I am a bit hesitant on this one because I do want to wait another 2 years for a shopping center to be built to be able to get a better appraisal.I'm sure for people who have been in the game for a while, something like this has occurred before.

Since there are so many real estate crowdfunding platforms out there, cracking the top 5 pages in google searches is extremely difficult for a site that has no market share.I'm no SEO expert but getting up in the rankings requires patience and strong content that people will want to read.  

It helps to be familiar with vendors too, my rule, ignore small unknown sources for maintenance receipts/charges as many play games, larger reputable companies will have more standardized pricing.If you can determine vacancies from lease files, good, but still be careful for leases that can't be verified by lease receipts/deposits.

As to education, what you pick up might be how to deal, you aren't really learning the game because they don't teach the basics of the game, what the rules are or usual and customary aspects of real estate, so much.

I spent 5 years in the wholesale game and now just represent my clients.