How do I start, I'm young, with school debt and broke!!

Question

Hello everyone,

I'm 22 years old and have always been interested in real estate investing. The only problem is that I do not have a rich network of real estate connections and I have no money. I have a degree in finance but I am not seeking a long life in the corporate world. I want to start learning and being around people who are successfully investing and real estate. Should I get my real estate license and get a part time job as an agent?

Steve Vaughan · Answer

Whoa. I would try to slow down and focus.  I got a finance degree as well.  Still use some of that info today, and was in the industry for a while before I got 'cubed' out.  My version of burnt out.

Broke and in debt would send me to work.  I would learn what I could, take advantage of RE opportunities as I could, save and get my budget in order.  Nothing on fire here.  We all started somewhere and BP is here for you Account Closed!

Jerry W. · Answer

@Pierre Decoste, welcome to BP bud.  Be sure to read through the Learn section above it is loaded with great info.  Also set some key word alerts for areas or topics of interest.

For now you need a job.  You need income to pay debts, save, and invest.  Then study to become a realtor if you have the time and money.  You need to learn a lot more before you can safely buy anything so invest in yourself right now. Get where you know your local market and what a deal is and is not.  Save a little nest egg then get going.

Aaron Montague · Answer

Account Closed

Welcome to BP!!

Build yourself a plan and a story.  Everyone above mentioned getting a job, yes.  Then turn that into a positive narrative.

"18 months ago I was broke, swimming in college debt and I had no clue about real estate.  Now I've saved $10k and would like to invest in something."

Matthew Murphy · Answer

I started at 25, but I kept my W2 income for almost 4 years before I jumped ship. Continue to save, learn, and network. Getting involved in some form part-time would be a great idea. Good luck!

Ammon Brimhall · Answer

I was 22 when I started and made the mistake of dropping the job and going for it. It doesn't mean others haven't succeeded that way, but I caused myself a lot more pain than I needed to. I'm doing great now (12 years later) and LOVE making killer money in real estate, but like Steve vaughan said -- "slow down and focus -- there are no fires here."

That said -- I think I'll add tow more things:

1) On the focus thing -- it's REALLY easy to chase every strategy and money making opportunity. Don't do it, pick a focus and learn it well before you jump ship -- or if you jump ship do it for good reasons. If you find yourself in a new opportunity every couple of months you're likely not going to get very far.

2) You can actually choose jobs that will help you succeed as an investor. Finance jobs would be one of those -- sales jobs would be another -- working in title, as a realtor, or an appraissor could be useful too. In other words , if you are strategic about it, your jobs can give you paid training in skills you'll use to succeed as an investor.

To your success!

Ingrid J. · Answer

Account Closed I saved for almost 3 years to get the downpayment for the home I have now. When I started out I didn't know the first thing about saving or real estate investing.

Just set aside a percentage of your monthly paycheck every paycheck. No exceptions. If I can do it, so can you.

Account Closed · Answer

Thanks a lot everyone!!! I will definitely hold on to my W2 to save and invest to build enough capital to jump ship. I appreciate all of you who took some time to help a young kid out, I'm excited to learn this business and help other out in the future. You guys are awesome!!

Account Closed · Answer

Thank you guys, I'm excited to be on here and learn from people like you. I am also an options trader, it helps me monetize some capital. As far as attending REIAs, what do you think is the best way to find some to attend and what would be happening at these events? Thanks Again, I can tell that joining BP is a good step!!

Account Closed · Answer

Account Closed thank you for baring it all with this topic, I'm in a similar situation. I myself am really looking to explore the opportunities with getting investor help and partners. But, I see that bottom line that the corporate job may be a blessing until we get traction in the RE realm.

Eric H. · Answer

Account Closed Welcome to BP!! Part time agent is definitely an option I think you should consider. To get started, I recommend that you continue to network here on BP and attend some local REIAs. Keep that W-2 job as long as you can stand it. You will be better positioned to get bank financing when the time comes.

I wish you the best!

Sincerely,

E. Harris

How do I start, I'm young, with school debt and broke!!

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