Well it is time for the paralysis analysis to end. I have essentially had my hand forced into starting my "investing". I am currently still on Active Duty in the US Army, and have been placed on assignment to San Jose, California for recruiting duty (blah). I have been planning on becoming more seriously involved in the real estate investing game, but have been to be brutally honest "scared". I am 25 years old and am married to my beautiful wife Alyson, we have two children together, Anthony (2.5 years old) and Dominic (1 month old) 

Short Term Goals: 

1.)Build a systematic approach to obtaining leads, and converting them into deals prior to starting. I forget where I heard it, but the reason businesses fail and franchises succeed is there "automation and systematized processes". I'd like to believe this will hold true within the real estate investing world as well. 

2.) Learn more through experience, possibly shadow someone local in exchange for some work so that I may get "hands on" knowledge.

3.) Use some of this knowledge I have obtained to use creative financing to obtain a residence for my family in South San Jose area

4.) Complete my first lease option deal prior to January 2015. 

Long Term Goals

1.) Build a solid team in multiple areas to invest in different markets. 

2.) Be able to feel confident in leaving the military to work within real estate full time (preferably investing solely right away, but backup plan is to possibly work as an agent)

I have sought out a paid mentor and he has helped tremendously thus far. However, I want to learn from multiple angles and even people that are within the current market that I will be living (I would like to start working East Bay). I think this forum will provide excellent networking, and would love to attend some local meetings with anyone that is active! 

I look forward to speaking with you all, local and far away, I am extremely grateful to have found this website, and podcasts (they made the drive from El Paso, Texas to San Jose, CA more enjoyable!)