College vs Real Estate??

[Nathan Raisbeck]

I am currently a freshman at University of Wisconsin - Stout. While my major is currently Mechanical Engineering I've quickly realized that isn't what I want to do. I've always been interested in real estate and found I could switch majors to Real Estate Property Management, learning how to manage properties obvouisly. Do I really need a 4 year degree to learn how to manage propeties? Should I drop out? What are other resources to learn how to do so? Also i've begun getting my real estate license to save money on future purchases as well as further my knowledge of real estate. Do you think also becoming a licensed appraiser would be a useful skill?

[Marcus Auerbach]

@Nathan Raisbeck why do you think its not for you? I believe it is one of the best degrees because it shapes your thinking and problem solving skills. I have a degree in Mechanical Engineering and had a 20 year long career in the corporate world, but never worked as an engineer - first in logistics, then sales, business management, later product management, than market development, director or marketing and finally business director for the Americas. None of those were engineering roles, but I learned a lot of things that make me a better investor (and agent) today.

As you can see from my story you don't have to work as an engineer, but it opens so many doors and job opportunities. And it gives you a great foundation and W2 income to become an investor. While there are many workarounds, having money to INVEST helps becomming an investor ;-)

If you feel that college is not for you, I would say don't switch majors, instead go into the trades. Do you know the guy who runs the YouTube channel Renovision DIY? He spent a couple years in each trade and built a phenomenal skill base. We have an extreme shortage of trades people in the US and it will get only worse.

With a skilled trade you have a lot of options. One of the best and most promising is growing it from a one man show into a large business. You can keep it in one trade, or grow it into a general construction business with designers and skilled trades. 

There is and will be huge damand, you have unlimited potential on how much money you can make and how big you can grow. And you start out with no college debt.

Let me know what you think about that, I want to hear your thoughts!