Newbie seeking some advice

[Zachery Russell]

Hey everybody! Very new to real estate, this is actually my first forum post.

I was recently introduced to the BiggerPockets podcast and was instantly hooked, I have listened to quite a few and plan to listen to all of them eventually.  I just recently started searching around the forums and there is so much good information and tips here so I thought I'd reach out and see if I can get some advice.

I am 24 years old living in the greater Seattle, WA area and have had in my mind since I was about 18 that I wanted to own several real estate properties and rent them out for cash flow but never knew how to get started.  I always thought you needed a ton of money to start.

I have made it a goal of mine to buy my first property by the end of 2018.  I have no credit card debt, a very small car loan that I am hoping to have paid off this year as well as a very small amount of student loans that I also intend on having paid off this year.

With the job I currently have I am only able to very slowly build my savings. I am actually considering getting a new job that I could potentially make more money at to speed up the saving process.

I have heard on multiple podcasts that many have gotten their real estate license prior to investing and purchasing their first deal.  By getting their license they were able to learn some of the ins and outs of real restate and make a lot of good relationships with other agents, investors and brokers.   

I was wondering how many of you have your license or started out by working in a real estate office?  Either as a real estate agent or maybe an assistant?  How beneficial was this for you and would you recommend it to someone trying to get started?  Since I am already considering a job change would anyone recommend getting my license and getting hired with a real estate firm?  Or would it be in my best interest to just get a job that I will be making more money at in order to save more and pay off my loans sooner?

Any feedback is much appreciated. Thanks in advance! 

[Zachery Russell]

Thank you all for the input! That's all very helpful info.

@Julian Sibley I was unaware about commission based jobs and DTI ratios. I used to receive tips from serving and bartending but my current job is not commission based, so when I transition into a higher paying job it would definitely be in my best interest to avoid the tip and commission jobs thank you. I have been getting better at saving money but I hadn't looked at it as treating savings as a bill so I think that will help expedite things even more, great tip!