I need to first give HUGE thanks to @Jonathon Federwisch . He reached out to me 2 years ago through BP after I posted my introduction and has been an amazing business partner and lifelong mentor. I need to also thank my father @Patrick Jackson for always keeping me focused and giving me brilliant advice the entire way. 

The purpose of this post is to inspire and give ideas to any other investors getting started. I'm sure that if I can make this business work, then ANYBODY can with enough hustle. 

The way I got started is by networking with successful investors specializing in wholesaling. For me, that was the ideal place to start with no money. I offered to do whatever is needed (getting pictures, running comps, driving every inch of Central Florida, and negotiating/getting contracts signed) to understand how to evaluate deals and what it takes to be successful. I advise anyone who is looking for somewhere to get started, to get a Real Estate License. By having one I was able to bring value to the investors I wanted to learn from.

I worked with and learned from these investors long enough to start earning a paycheck by selling their wholesales, being referred leads that were looking for a retail price, and even earning a couple large paychecks by co-wholesaling great deals.

I saved as much as I could, only spending money on gas and food, and have finally built up enough experience and capital where I'm ready to purchase and flip properties myself. I had specific criteria of what I felt comfortable starting with and the moment I received a qualifying deal from one of the wholesalers I work with, I jumped on it. I went through a couple of different Hard Money Lenders only finding rates around 15% and 4 points. Luckily, I kept hunting and am now approved for an unbelievable 90% LTV, 100% Rehab, 8% int, and 2.5 points. This was only capable from the amazing referrals I receive by networking and proving I know my numbers. I am set to close next week and will be glad to post more details of the deal if people are interested. I'll also post before and after pictures once finished.

Going forward I am always looking for the next deal and would be very interested in connecting with all of you. I go to our local REIA called CFRI frequently. I also have plenty of deals to offer in all of Central Florida from St Petersburg, Tampa, Orlando, Cocoa, Daytona, and everything in between. My next goal is to purchase a multi-family of 4-units or less with an FHA loan. By purchasing off of the MLS I can keep the 3% buyer's agent commission by representing myself, and use that towards the 3.5% FHA down payment, allowing for a very low down purchase.

If anyone is looking for more advise or has any other questions I'll be glad to help however I can! Let's all make 2018 our best year yet!