Civil Engineering B.S. with a Real Estate MBA?

[Jamila Thompson]

Hello everyone, 

I am a civil engineering graduate and I am interested in pursuing an MBA in Real Estate. I want to gain more knowledge on real estate investment (I have also been reading books, such as Rich Dad Poor Dad). I personally think it will be beneficial because real estate is an expansion of my civil engineering knowledge (i.e. construction, development). I think I will be able to connect the two fields to my advantage. 

From a real estate investor perspective, do you think it is beneficial for a civil engineer to have an MBA in Real Estate and why? 

[Joe Funari]

@Jamila Thompson I would strongly discourage you from pursuing an MBA in Real Estate. I personally have earned 4 degrees and one of them is an MBA. Degrees are too expensive and really don't teach you what you need to know to become a real estate investor. You will gain greater experience by actually becoming a Real Estate Investor and acquire an investment property and hold it as rental. Start with a 3/2/2 easiest to rent and best cash flow long term and amortization. Plus, mistakes you make with a rental aren't as painful as a flip property. Learned from my personal experiences. Too many first time investors jump into flips. The "Gurus" ,such as Robert Kyiosaki, will be happy to keep taking your money in training too. In the words of Master Yoda Do or Do Not there is no try. So "Do" go out and invest in real estate. There are also cheaper ways to get an REI education. Formal education is not one of them. find a local REI club meeting. they will have classes a whole lot cheaper. Plus you can mingle with other investors and get good "free" advice. As I always tell me fellow investors - "Words are Free."