BiggerPockets

What a great make you think question!

My biggest issue with getting started was fear. I kept putting obstacles up for myself and finding reasons not to invest. Then I learned to put them all aside if I wanted to get ahead and figure what do I have to lose? Once I did one deal, the rest got easier and you learn so much from every deal and you know when to look for things and how to avoid mistakes. I think you even have to give yourself permission to make mistakes and allow yourself to lose money sometimes. A good support system is key as well. All too often I hear of people trying to invest once and then make mistakes and vow to never do it again. Part of taking risk is making mistakes and then learning from them.

I want to achieve financial freedom from investing. I do not want to have consumer debt and I also get alot of gratification from investing, especially when it creates a win-win for others and myself.

Jon, I like your comment that you want to help others, so it can help you learn. Most people miss that step. They think they know it all and are not open minded enough to listen to others and allow their points of view to change.