. $20k is not much and will be eaten up real quick.

Real Estate Professional status and Trade/Business are two completely separate issues. 

But at most real estate investor groups you don't find owner financing clients.  

I really think we need to have a broader conversation about barriers to new construction in real estate! 

Also join the Fbook group  Upstate NY Real Estate Investors  lot of good stuff there.

Yup...it fits in really well with owning real estate.

Okay so I have always been interested in housing/real estate and I work a 9-5 focused on housing.

One of the reasons why I’m bullish on real estate investing is because I am more afraid of the “what if I didn’t invest” rather than the “what if it goes wrong.”Yes, I could fail and lose everything I started with, but I’d still be farther along than if I never started at all.I’d have the knowledge, skills, and lessons that only come from taking action.Every misstep is a step forward when you’re learning and adapting.The real risk isn’t failure, it’s standing still and letting fear hold you back.Take action!!!

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Diving into real estate investing is an exciting journey, and this community is a fantastic resource for learning and networking.