Starting a new career in RE, ADVICE?

[Brandy Stewart]

Hello, I'm Brandy! My long term goal is to be an investor, but as a beginner, I'd really like to start a new career in the RE world at least. (I'm currently working in healthcare.) I would like to still make an annual income from a ''9-5'' as I begin investing, so I can have more funds to utilize. I know there are several career options in this field. Where I'm located, in East Texas, there are a lot of real estate agents and realtors. I've been researching becoming a residential appraiser, but I wanted to ask y'all's opinions/advice on this job choice. Is it worth it? Why or why not? If it isn't really necessary, do you have any other recommendations on where I can start? Should I consider becoming a real estate agent, or just focus my free time on real estate investing? Thank you so much advance!

[Angie Shires]

@Brandy Stewart I would say unless you are lower level healthcare, that you stick with that W2 income, just as @Dan Weber mentioned. His advice is on point...lenders will expect 2 years of 1099 income and tax returns...and unless you want to pay hella taxes, you'll want to deduct all that you can as an independent contractor. 

There are a lot of agents in the East Texas area, and most don't make more than $40,000 a year...gonna be hard to save unless you go in and kick butt in your first few years (which can happen, but unusual). 

Possibly try to find a duplex that you could live in one side and rent out the other, live in house hack will probably be the quickest, and least money down to get you started! 

Good luck, and don't give up!