Fresh out of High School where should i start?

Question

I've recently graduated high school and I'm looking in to real estate investing as a potential career path. I've been reading books and listening to the Bigger Pockets real estate podcast for a couple months trying to learn as much as i can about the industry. I'm in the process of getting my real estate license right now just because mine as well. I just want to know if there is anything else I should be doing while I'm in college and if I should try to start while in school.

Dan Sheeks · Answer

Hey @Matthew Wilks

Congrats to you for your ambition! I work with a bunch of young aspiring real estate investors just like you, and I am willing to help you out with some  advice or even chat on the phone if you wish. But I recommend you read this article I wrote for Bigger Pockets titled How to Invest in Real Estate Before Turning 21 which will address some of your questions in your post. Once you've read it, let me know your thoughts and if you have any questions. I am a high school teacher in Colorado and I am always looking to help young people get started in real estate investing or help in any way I can. Let me know if you want to chat sometime.https://www.biggerpockets.com/..

Luke Marsh · Answer

Hi Matthew! Congrats on diving into the world of real estate! I would recommend to continue to learn about all the different areas of real estate, through books, guides, podcasts, etc. I would look into some virtual networking events as well. I would also try to get a feel for where your primary interests are, there are a lot of different options (BRRRR, House Hacking, Flips, Rentals, Wholesaling, etc.). I would recommend trying to dig into your market and really try to learn as much as you can about it. Finally, I would begin saving immediately. Best of luck!

Daniel Del Vecchio · Answer

@Matthew Wilks it's great that you have this idea now! I wish I did when I started college. Hindsight is 20/20 so what I wish I would have done when I was in college is to find a mentor. If there is a particular strategy (Flip, Rentals, BRRRR, House Hack, Wholesaling etc...) that you are interested in pursuing use BP or a local real estate association to meet investors using that strategy and develop a relationship with them. I would also recommend getting a part time or full time summer job with a contractor. That way you will start learning the prices/time cost of labor and materials needed for different projects as well as learn the value of improvements and how it affects a property. That is something I wish I would have done.

Another big thing is network network network! Building your network now will help you whenever you are ready to invest so you will have an idea of the individuals in the area who you want to work with such as lawyers, agents, brokers, contractors, property managers etc...

Lastly, depending on your major and your schedule i'd take some classes on business and taxes, and maybe a basic accounting class.

Good luck!

Another big thing is network network network! Building your network now will help you whenever you are ready to invest so you will have an idea of the individuals in the area who you want to work with such as lawyers, agents, brokers, contractors, property managers etc...

Lastly, depending on your major and your schedule i'd take some classes on business and taxes, and maybe a basic accounting class.

Good luck!

Antonio Cucciniello · Answer

@Matthew Wilks Congrats on deciding to invest! The thing you have on your side is energy and time. Use that to your advantage to out hustle those who won't out work you.

Matthew Wilks · Answer

@Jared Maches I was probably thinking about doing a house hack or something along those lines.

Bonnie Rhodes · Answer

@Matthew Wilks you have already started doing the right things! I would suggest networking when you can. Talk to anyone and everyone who has invested. Learn how they finance, learn from their mistakes, etc! Download the MeetUp app and join MeetUp's about real estate investing when you can. I had one coworker who nearly all of his sells came from relationships from MeetUps and he will say consistency is key. COVID has slowed in-person MeetUps down, but they are still holding virtual sessions.

Also I 100% agree with @Jared Maches in that you should start saving your money where you can. When you get your paycheck or do an odd job for cash, immediately put a portion of it away, even if it is small. It will add up!

Jared Maches · Answer

Welcome to BP @Matthew Wilks as young person to RE just like yourself I think BP is a great way to begin your RE path. I could give a few tips to you and the first one is save your money. In college people tend to not think about a budget so much and truly it does matter. Also try to network with others in your area such as a local meetup I believe you can find those on BP. Lastly, Do you have an idea what you are aiming for your first investment?

Best of luck

Fresh out of High School where should i start?

Most Popular Reply