Either way you will learn the market and get a fast track education from others very quickly if you stay active. 

My husband and I have noticed a trend that many high net worth real estate investors are transitioning to real estate education? 

@Daniel SmythI finished my prelicense education so is it best to finish that and then just work as an independent?

Finishing my education on time is a priority to me.  

EDUCATE YOURSELF - yes, it will take time, but will lead to a selection that better meets your expectations & avoids potentially costly surprises!

Ensure you have a small emergency fund to cover any unexpected expenses, then set a budget for yourself and put as much as you can away to the credit cards.In the meantime, you should start educating yourself on real estate and practice analyzing deals.

That means you should figure out how to safely use it and educate your tenants and it should be fine.

In this case where @Juan Contreras only makes $25000 W-2 he might be under the radar unless he's writing off $100000 luxury trips, $100000 of office supplies, and $100000 of advertising or continuing education.

EDUCATE YOURSELF - yes, it will take time, but will lead to a selection that better meets your expectations & avoids potentially costly surprises!

I tend to be a person who gets educated about the things I am interested in, then I use that education in my own ways.