Sorry, haven't been on all day. I started as a loan officer for a company for about 6 months and just happened to enter the industry when it was hot and everyone was in it. Some viewed the industry as being too competitive and too saturated, but for me, it was perfect. 9 out of 10 loan officers/mortgage bankers were absolute morons. It was easy to pit others against the competent, halfway intelligent ones (category I thought I fell into) and win the business of realtors, tax advisors, builders etc. Did that for 6 to maybe 9 months, QUICKLY learned the business and industry and then opened my own net branch. That was roughly 2003/4 and the rest is history. As for capital, if it's the dream, if it's what you want to do, stockpile money and do it when you can. But do it. Do not take on business debt at all costs. Stay liquid and solvent, save now and DO IT! Oh yeah, vet out any business partners VERY thoroughly. Very! I've had 6 or 7 businesses over the last 13 or 14 years (3 current as mentioned earlier; don't count the radio station as a business and 3 or 4 others), but the only good partners I've had are the 2 I have now and since 2010; twin brothers who are diehard Ravens fans, family men like me and ethical, upstanding dudes. Be careful, my other 2 partners with previous companies were not!