Getting Started in Austin, TX

[Garrett Brustein]

Hi everyone. I am pretty new to Austin and brand new to real estate investing so I am looking to see if anyone in the area has any suggestions on where to get started? I assume I need to start with some kind of newbie classes to start my education but the local REIA says they do not offer any newbie specific classes. Are there any other similar options in the area or does anyone have any other suggestions for a good way to get my foot in the door? I have been self employed for several years and figured this would be a great opportunity to add to my other financial ventures. Thanks, Garrett.

[Bill Gulley]

I suggest you get in a local REI club and learn while keeping your money in your pocket.

I believe if a newbie is going to pay for any course they should start with a real estate agent's course. Such a class will teach you basic real estate issues, from abbreviations used in RE to zonning. You'll also learn what Realtor do and what they may not do, knowing their issues will keep you from asking them things that may be illegal or unethical and getting a bad reputation with them.

Knowing the topics of a real estate course will prepare you to sit in on any guru stuff if you choose to do so and know when there is BS being sold too.

You can take the test if that's the way you want to go, but you don't have to take the test, you can just attend the classes and maybe at a discount if you tell them you are not seeking a license.

Good luck....