After "X" amount of years doing real estate  deals, what would your veteran self tell your rookie self in order to makes things easier or go smoother in the beginning. Personally, I am asking as a rookie looking to learn from veterans.

Build a network, both local and nationally right away.

Learn alternative, creative deal structuring asap.

Don't get bogged down by institutional lenders telling you what is or is not a good deal.

Happy Investing