Take a pause with school to begin investing in real estate?

[Robert Hector]

Hey guys, so I got out of the army not too long ago and get about 2k a month while attending school from the Montgomery GI bill, the only problem is that this income does not count at all when applying for a home loan.  I have a 750 credit score and about 36k in stocks and stuff.  I'm currently saving about 70% of my income monthly because I have barely any expenses.  Anyways, I've tried alot of things but no matter what I just can't qualify for a place because I have no income.  I drive for Uber every single weekend which brings in about 200-400 a week but its really not much.  Also started doing Amazon Flex (delivering packages) but that's too recent to count.  Anyways I was thinking of becoming a truck driver after I get my associates degree and using that income to qualify so that I can finally buy a fourplex and do some house hacking. Its either that or I have to wait 2 more years until I'm done with school because I don't have a real job. I'm worried about 2 things though, 1: will they let me qualify for a loan if I just recently got a new job as a truck driver? And 2: is it stupid to delay or change my education to get into real estate sooner? I want to major in accounting. I really want to start investing in real estate because all of my money is in stocks and I want my own place.  I was thinking maybe I'd just take online classes to finish up my degree while I work full time as a truck driver.

[Chris Sellers]

Robert,

Thank you for your service!  Sounds like you have a lot of great things going on.  Cash to go to school, paid for school (earned by you) and a wicked work ethic.  You're going to be rich soon.

If I were you, I'd use that paid for schooling to get an Accounting Bachelors degree.  This will serve you well throughout your life. So you don't get too bored while in school (I can tell you're a little OCD), satisfy your real estate bug by getting a job with a property management company (best if they also sell real estate too).  You'll learn a ton about real estate and network with all the right people (learn way more and meet more people vs driving a truck).  

Seeing real estate investments from behind the scenes, I bet you'll find yourself an owner finance deal or something in no time.  Happened like this for a buddy of mine.  He helped a guy turn around a bunch of his neglected rental properties, so the guy sold him one.  Owner financing for like 40% below market, with $0 down.  Was a rich old guy with like 200 houses, wanted to help out a young entrepreneur.  

Good Luck!

Chris