18 Years old need help/advice

[Rocco Rosa]

I am 18 and currently a senior in highschool. I will soon be deciding what I want to do career wise whether that's going college or not. I am at a big fork in the road because I'm not sure if I should go to a university and pursue a degree or go all in and head first into real estate and start off by becoming a agent. I have big goals and some may say those goals are too big, I am relentlessly ambitious and I don't think a 4 year university would give me the life I want long term wise. I am coming to BiggerPockets Forums to get advice or just another person's input. I have always loved learning about real estate whether that's being a agent or investing since I was 16 and it has always stuck with me. Some may say going to college is the safest option and the "next step" in life but those 4 years have a opportunity cost. I have looked at many different careers and to me it's either college or real estate. No matter what I do I want to go head first and give 100%. Some people in my life tell me real estate is risky and I should take something more "simple" and "safer". I want to make a lot of money doing what I love and master what I'm doing then take that money and invest it to create generational wealth along with passive income. I don't want the college party scene I want success. I would appreciate it if you could give me any advice, I look forward to seeing what you have to say.

Thank you

[Erin Church]

First, Rocco congrats on taking time to figure out your next best step for you rather than following the "next step" as determined by other folks. :) I also appreciate you recognizing that part of college is the social aspect - obviously, you'll miss out on that, but you can always find another "community" to socialize with/fill that need.

I really like @Nathan Gesner suggestion of taking the PM route. 

I agree that college isn't usually needed for a successful career, especially in real estate. Things that might have me suggesting going to college - are you getting scholarships, grants, any other funding where college would be free now, but would be more expensive in a few years if you went back? If you are, then it's something to strongly consider and I may give different advice.

If you're going to need to take out student loans and you're questioning if you want to go to school or not, at least take a gap year and dive into real estate in some way.  It gives you a little time to get your feet wet and see if you want to go to school. I think learning property management is likely the best fit if you're looking into buy and holds (which I assume you are since you mentioned generational wealth), but you could also go work construction to figure out how things all are supposed to be in a house/be able to do some of your own work. The first year out of high school could be the time you figure out you're great at getting folks to sell with creative financing also! Tons of options! I wish I had been thinking about real estate at your age! :)

Let us know what you decide :)