You came to the right place to learn more about real estate and connect with other motivated investors.

Despite all of my ventures, I have not achieved the financial freedom I desire.

I'm looking for any local knowledge and connections to help me prevent future mistakes and make this process as painless as possible while achieving fair returns.

I think it depends on what you're trying to achieve.

Here's how real estate has changed my life.1) I receive checks at all different times of the month.2) I have more income coming in than ever before.3) I pay less of a tax rate than I ever have4) My net worth goes up literally everyday.5) I spend more time with my kids than I ever have... 6) I get to give to things that I'm passionate about7) I love what I do everyday.This is not a post to brag, It is a post to motivate.....

I'm motivated to go this route and I will do it.

What are your motivations for lending the money vs buying your first property? 

Your only focus right now should be on finding motivated sellers. 

What's the sellers motivation for selling?

Demand, location, positive cash flow whether you are financing it or not, area growth, amenities, repairs, seller motivation, is it in a flood plane  economical pluses or minuses, property age, layout, historical issues, future projections, neighborhood issues, weather issues that are negative or positive, distance from an existing public protection, if provided, storage area, and property taxes.