Jumping into REI - course, mentor, or DIY? What actually worked for you?

[Omi Stambler]

Hey BP,

I'm 23 and looking to build a buy-and-hold rental portfolio in the U.S. Midwest, with markets like St. Louis (gf based there), Kansas City, Indianapolis, Cleveland and Columbus on my radar.

I've started doing homework: I've read quite a bit, listened to podcasts, and started talking with investors and professionals, but I keep landing on the same question - what's actually the best way to LEARN this well, instead of piecing it together from scattered threads?

For those who started from zero:

Did you pay for a course or coaching, or go the free content plus trial and error route?

If you paid - for what, and was it actually worth it?

If you didn't - which books, podcasts, YouTube channels, or forum threads actually moved the needle for you?

Bonus question: if you were 23 and starting today, knowing what you know now, what's the first move you'd make?

Not fishing for a shortcut - I know experience is the best teacher. I just want to invest my time and money wisely, whether that's through self-study, mentorship, or a quality course. 

I just don't want to blow $3-5K on a course that BP alone could've replaced, or spend 6 months reading and miss something a good course would've flagged on day one.

I'd really appreciate hearing what worked (or didn't work) for you.

Appreciate any input - thanks in advance!

[Nicholas L.]

@Omi Stambler

just house hack a few times in a row

your flexibility is your superpower