Should I continue pursuing a cert of go full real estate?

Question

So I work as a retail associate right now and am currently studying for the A+ cert(a cert that shows I know how to work computers.)  I can use that to hopefully get a bit better of a job(then continue to Network+ cert which will hopefully land me something better with a bit of on the job experience.)

While I do enjoy computers a bit I don't see myself enjoying it enough to go through with it even though the money will be a bit better.  I have been thinking of just quitting my current job and going in deep with real estate as I have an inheritance coming shortly to live off of for a bit.

I can actually see myself really getting into real estate as it can provide more freedom for me and I feel I will actually be of more use to people whether they be investors or people looking for a home.  Going with the cert route(and real estate on the side) would be safer but would feel more soul crushing to me.  I don't want to have to have a job where I cannot set my own hours and wages anymore and want to get out of the regular job life asap.

So what this boils down to is do I play it safe or do I go all the way?

Jerry W. · Answer

Quitting your job is what you do after you have real estate generating enough income for you to live off of.  You do not even have one property yet and you are ready to quit.  Stay with a good paying job until your real estate can support you, you need a job to get loans, and you don't know if you like real estate until you try it.  Even real estate can be hard work.

Joe Fairless · Answer

@Steven Palmer well, I wouldn't do anything in my life, ever, that I call "soul crushing." Life is too short for that. But I would be strategic about your exit. Instead of jumping all-in perhaps transition out after identifying your area of focus in real estate, getting some momentum and educating yourself along the way.

Teri Feeney Styers · Answer

If you have a lump of cash coming your way I sure wouldn't spend it to "live off for awhile". Put it to work for you in a proper way and you will have it forever. Spend it on day to day expenses and it is gone...

Jeremy Hunter · Answer

I will add to that by saying that Real Estate Entrepreneurship is all about the network of folks that you are talking to and helping out in real estate. So getting your name out there and getting experience with deals is the way to show people you are serious. Getting licensed as an agent can help with being an investor and bring a level of credibility to the negotiations, but as many folks here can attest does not need to be obtained if all you are focused on is investing. I know I have been trying to call and email folks when my current job allows and I have made a plan to get my license at some point to help me help other investors but I am focused on networking and focusing on helping others with their deals.

Building relationships is way important so build up those relationships, find actionable goals with when to invest in market and your iron out your strategy. Plan- Assess - Execute - Assess - Repeat.. (Army leaders training bit that fits here perfectly lol)

Anyway keep in touch and let us know what you have done.

Matt Motil · Answer

I'm kind of a black or white guy for the most part, so I'd boil it down to a business decision. What will the cert cost you and what will your ROI be? If you can get the money back out of it, education is never a waste (I have a PhD). When you say go full real estate are you thinking of being an agent? or full-time investor flipping houses? I can tell you that as a real estate agent you need to be talking to people and getting your name out there to be successful. In many cases, having a full-time job and starting out in real estate can be a nice transition because you have a built in network to work with as you get started.

Steven Palmer · Answer

I am truly grateful for all the posts and advice given on here by you guys.  It means a lot.  My emotions have gotten the better of me for a bit and after thinking about it for a bit I am going to continue to pursue the A+ cert.

I have already invested time and money into training for it so I am going to finish it off.  Maybe calling it all "soul crushing" was a bit extreme now that I really think about it.  I am already judging a job that I haven't even experienced or gotten yet which is silly in itself.  For all I know I may enjoy it.  Plus the pay will be a lot better as well.

I am serious about doing real estate in some form in the future so I will research a little bit each day but do the bulk of my concentration on getting that certification then trying to get a job in that while pursuing the next cert after that.  Then give more focus in real estate when that is settled.  Trying to pull myself in two different directions like that at the moment would probably get me nowhere.

Tim Puffer · Answer

@Steven Palmer Find an investor friendly agent to show you properties. Get to know your area. Find a few 2-4 unit buildings that you can do some value add to and send the owners handwritten notes with your interest  to purchase them. Even if you only have a conversation with these people it will be valuable experience.

Listen to the podcasts on BP with @Brandon Turner and @Joshua Dorkin. Also, go and check out Michael Quarrels' podcast too.

Should I continue pursuing a cert of go full real estate?

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