Need Some Advice in Getting On Track in the Real Estate Business

[Adrienne G.]

Hi everyone.

I don't know if this is the appropriate forum for this, so if it is, please let me know. And I'm stating openly that this is not an advertisement or solicitation for business. I'm gathering opinions about a business move. Now that I've gotten that out of the way....

When I first found the site, I introduced myself and a little about my situation. A few people counseled me to create a goal for what I want out of real estate and set a plan in motion. Well, I'm still reviewing websites, reading books, blogs & newsletters, researching, attending CFRI meetings, and reaching out to individuals for mentorship. So the education piece is well underway.

I announced before that I was going to enroll in the Pre Sales Real Estate license class. Well I did that. I am currently in the class (online) and attended a review class this past weekend. I'm hoping to sit for the exam in the next two weeks. I've been researching real estate firms (so far I've been impressed with Keller Williams) but haven't made a decision. If I don't choose Keller Williams, I'll probably choose a boutique firm. KW offers all the mentoring and training, not to mention their access to tools. A boutique firm will allow me to get my hands dirty quicker. So there are benefits to each.

In terms of my own investing strategy, I am leaning towards triplex & quads to start, a couple of small single family homes (maybe 3) to rent, and long term (5+ years) flips and apartments. Cash flow is my goal as an investor with profitable rehabs/flips being secondary.

In the mean time, I still need to make money so I can fund my real estate investing career.  I'm not in a position to plop down a ton of cash on my first property. I do not want to short cut it in things I'm still not educated enough (wholesaling, partnering with someone on a multi-unit or flip). So I started thinking about my skills and how I can bring them to the real estate investing world today. So here's what I was thinking.

I have strong skills in:

• Wordpress Web Design
• ECommerce
• Podcasting & Video Production & Editing
• Writing/Blogging (I'm published)
• Social Media Branding & Marketing
• Email Marketing
• Mobile Technology
• Photograpy Editing
• And of course Recruiting and Business Consulting (I did a lot of startup advising)

Here is the problem. I do not know if real estate investors find any of these skills valuable to them. When i go to meetings and observe, some investors clearly state that they re DIY types and don't like having too many expenses. Which I can respect. And a lot of real estate agents and companies have internal people to handle this stuff. I'm not looking to be a "VA" but would love to integrate my skills and my new license into a new career as a real estate professional and eventually an investor.

So here's the question. How do I articulate the true value in most if not all of these skills to real estate investors (especially new ones)? Ordinarily I would not be shy about the value of any of my skills. But I am brand new to real estate and have no background in it. I figure if I can start doing some work with real estate professionals in this capacity along with getting my license and practicing, I can gain more clarity and experience.

Any advice? I'm all ears.