Path to becoming an investor

[Bernardo Olivares]

Hello BP community,

I was looking for some advice or guidance on the best way to get started on becoming an investor. My mind seems to be set on getting my real estate license and starting as a real estate agent. Can anyone share with me how you first started out your real estate journey and/or some tips on where the best starting point would be if not a real estate agent. 

Thank you for all the valuable information you guys put out!

[Shiela R.]

@Bernardo Olivares, hi there.  My two cents differs from @Nathan Gesner.  I do not like property management at all.  Not that I don't do it on my own properties, but it's not my cup of tea. However, it is a good way to learn the market and to learn about investing. But, then again, so is getting involved in title work, lending, construction.

To address your inquiry about how some of us got started..I first thought I wanted to be a Realtor but my friend and lender who was much more experienced than me said "You know who makes the most money? The sellers who bought right." That landed. I first bought property through wholesaling and sandwich lease options. About 5 years later, I did get my license. I'm obsessed with the MLS :) However, I refer to myself as an investor with a license in my tool box, not an agent who decided to invest. Hope that helps!