Finished High School, What Next?

[Noah Norton]

Hello, kid looking to get into real estate here. My long term goal is to be a full time real estate investor and have a consistent flow of deals coming in so that I can pick and choose deals to buy and hold, flip, or wholesale. I am trying to figure out the best way for me to work towards this goal.

I have considered starting out by wholesaling (bad idea) and considered working as a real estate agent. But both of these strategies are risky (tons of pressure) and require some money. Realistically, I think my best and safest bet is to find a "regular" or w-2 type job in the real estate field, and after I have earned money and experience, dip my toe into buy and hold real estate. I'm tired of the "hype" and just want to find a legitimate and safe career option.

Anyone have a recommendation for what my next step should be? What sort of jobs should I look into? What jobs in the real estate field will I be able to make a living with right off the bat? Will I need a college degree for these jobs? I appreciate all opinions and input!

[Pat L.]

Originally posted by @Mike Dymski:

Go to college or trade school and house hack (get a house and roommates).  Learn and earn.

I did exactly that, with a home within walking distance to my University, & never told my fellow student room-mates I owned the seller financed home.