College Student In Need Of Advice

[Richard Hayes]

I am 18 years old, I am a college student studying at Grand Canyon University and have gotten into the idea of real estate investing a few months ago. I am reading real estate books and am motivated to start out my real estate portfolio. I currently don't have a job but I have 25k as an inheritance from a family member. I have thought about putting 20k as a down payment and 5k as a reserve. I am wanting to start off with a duplex but I don't know where to start in terms of getting a loan and finding good deals. Are there any thoughts on what I could do?

[Eugene M.]

An incredible amount of successful real estate investors got their start way after you. You're young and there's no reason to rush into it now, even with some capital. 

If I were back in college again, I would join the local REIA and attend as many events/meet-ups as possible. If there isn't one or you don't feel fulfilled, find more meet-ups using the "Network" tab at the top of your page. Your ultimate goal is to find a mentor(s), but do it with tact. Look to add value to a successful investor/agent near you, and you'll reap the benefits sooner than you think. Eventually you'll come across that off-market deal from someone who needs to off-load a cash-flowing property but they don't know where to begin or who to talk to. And boom, there you go!