I would like to start by saying it's is an absolute pleasure to be introducing myself to such a very well organized and information wealthy place of like minded individuals!

I plan to surround myself with busy, successful, wealthy people so I'm going to pitch at the REI to see if any older investors are looking for help then maybe I can partner with them on deals.

I'm also on the very basic-initial steps towards getting my RE investment business on the road, but I have spent most of my time educating myself on books, trends, and most of the culture of Real Estate investments.

There are also sophisticated private lenders (lawyer's, doctor's, and other wealthy individuals) that lend out their money.

@Michael Bangsal  House-hacking is a great way to build wealth! I

If you already 'get it' - that the only way to work is not for someone else after getting a college education, or that acquiring a house or two every year will make you wealthy - then I'd get to nuts and bolts about how and what to buy.  

There are benefits to renting in some markets (NYC/LA) and for some people based on their situation (transitional), although I would not recommend it as a long term solution to building wealth.  I

Even though I'm not that wealthy, money as I get older has lost its glamour.Which course of action would you take?

I don't know if this is a cultural thing but every single realtor/investor I talked to told me the same thing. 

I've known folks who were independently wealthy and intelligent to begin with, and wanted to pull their hair out after deciding to manage a flip.