25 year old advice

[Max Glagola]

Hi everyone, a thank you in advance for anyone who can assist. 

I’m 25, living in the DC area. I’ve worked commercial property management for 3 years, and am ready to make a change. I wanted to learn what it took to manage a property prior to investing. I’m looking to make a move out of property management towards something that could help me get into investing. Any help is appreciated! 

This next portion is a lot so if you don’t want to read it I totally understand.

I have a few family & friends in real estate, and I have had a lot of different advice. Many tell me to go be an analyst to learn how to underwrite, however I was a political science degree so a lot of places have not responded back (although I am great with numbers!). In addition, I have a potential opportunity to work for a larger commercial firm under a “training” program. It’s nicely paid, and I spend 4 years learning about leasing, acquisitions, development, etc. it would be a really hard commute, and I have had a few people tell me not to go that route. I have been advised that I would learn how to do things “their way” which might not teach me as much. In addition, advice that I should focus on one area instead of all of them.

I do have a decent bit saved up, but also have the goal in getting a house in a year (hopefully with the opportunity to lease out a basement unit).

Any advice is greatly appreciated. I’m ready for the grind but just unsure of the next steps to take!