Property Manager as Finance Graduate?

[Erick Brownfield]

Hey All,

I'm a 27 yo Finance graduate that's been working a dead-end product managing job for almost 2 years and strongly considering building a career in real estate, partially to prepare myself for personal investing.

I don't really have any relevant experience so am looking at potential entry level jobs. Going over the property manager job description, I feel like this is the exact training I've been looking for in order to purchase and manage my own rental properties when the time comes. However, would I limiting myself in terms of potential lifetime earnings, especially as a college graduate? What are the career path opportunities, besides starting a management company? 

Any other recommendations? Other options I've been kicking around are loan processor, inspector, or just real estate agent intern. What about the best thing I can do to make myself more attractive to employers in the mean time ? Real estate license? Any other certifications or maybe an MBA? 

Thanks in advance. 

[Julie Marquez]

Hi @Erick Brownfield. I can only speak from experience, but my job in construction management is an awesome field that is also directly related to real estate investing. I scope out projects, hire subcontractors, and get the work executed. Whether it be a residential flip, or an apartment plumbing leak, my skills translate. Many large general contractors have entry level project engineer positions (though usually filled by kids with construction management degrees, I see all degrees be successful in this field). These jobs are usually well paid, as construction is a great industry. There are some good, big companies in southern California like McCarthy, Swinerton, and Hathaway Dinwiddie, and PLC. Check out general contractors, and best to you!