College student wanting to invest

[Julio Caceres]

Hello everyone! I need your opinions :) I'm 20, I have little to no experience in Real State. I have read Rich Dad Poor Dad and I'm half way though Cash Flow Quadrant. (These books are changing my mindset/life like nothing else) Also, I am I'm binge hearing the BiggerPockets podcast. I'm attending a community college. I'm finishing my 2 year business degree soon. I plan to become a real state part time investor as soon it's appropriate. I'm an intern in the company I work for. I have now been there for 4 years. I have 10k in savings now and I'm free of debt from school. I own no assets. How do I position myself better to start investing/learning? When do you consider it's an appropriate time to get started? *Please feel free to add questions if helps you answer the questions.* Thank you!

[John Knisely]

Hey @Julio Caceres, sounds like you are in a great position to get started! First off, keep saving money and keep the lifestyle in check that way you have that extra breathing room to invest.

What are your career goals, if any? I started my career thinking I wanted to be an engineer for that majority of my life, then discovered the wonderful world of real estate and it really exposed my passion. 

The easiest way you can position yourself to get started and learn is to start networking with investors. Look for investing groups (REIAs) on places like meetup.com or even here on Biggerpockets they are posted. Attend them regularly, find people who are experienced but also interested in sharing their wisdom with you. Watch out for the sales pitch. This industry is still littered with people just out to try and scam a quick buck or sell you on their guru course. Not my style. Education in real estate is largely free if you look in the right places. Biggerpockets, networking events, volunteering to work under a seasoned investor etc.

As far as an appropriate time to get started...NOW! It is never too early. But don't just think you need to rush in and buy anything. Do your research, have a good cash cushion, multiple exit strategies and build flexibility into your investing.