RE as investment, part time job or full time job? Hours avail to spend on RE

[William P.]

As I read the forums, I realize that a major way to categorize RE market participants is by the amount of time they can devote

From least to most time

1) passive investors. Have FT job.  Dont have/want to spend a lot of time on RE, ie dont want a part time job in RE

2)  active investors - Have FT job/career they want to keep for the foreseeable future, but essentially make RE a part time job.  They love RE and/or have a lot of energy. 

3) Full time intenders - these people have other work now, but want to make a full time career in RE.  This type is fairly prevalent on BP.  Often times these folks seem under-capitalized.

4) Full time RE investors.  This group is always interesting to hear from - lot of knowledge. Also like hearing about all the different models.

I think these types really drive what type of investments a person should pursue.  For instance, a number 1 is going to struggle with 20-60K per door,cash flow model. 

So, what type are you, and how does that influence your strategy/model?

[Hattie Dizmond]

@William P. 

Wow.  You've just made some gross generalizations.  You also seem to believe, at least to some extent, that folks in one category will stay in that category or even want to stay in that category.

I think your categorization of investors has missed a huge piece of the puzzle...motivation. Many people are less passionate about RE and more passionate about it's potential to help them achieve their desired lifestyle. Many REI's dedicate the time they do, either leveraging RE as a part-time job (or like myself, a 2nd full-time job), because we want to achieve enough passive income to not have to work any job full-time, real estate or otherwise.