Advice for a College Student

[Robert Swiss]

Hey Everyone,

I have a year left of college and want to spend my summer learning as much as I can about real estate. I want to hit the ground running as soon as I graduate, so I'm looking to learn as much as I can before then. I'm thinking about moving to a hot market such as Boise or Austin for the summer and networking with investors in the area. Ideally, I would find part-time work with a contractor or investor. Any advice for finding a mentor/apprenticeship like this? What would be the best way to learn about the indsustry while making enough to feed myself for a summer?

[Jody Sperling]

Move somewhere ugly and boring that has stable real estate. I hate to knock my own market, but Omaha would be a good fit. If you go to Austin or Boise, the temptation to party and explore the city will be too great.

I don't recall who said it, but if you want to live like no one else one day, you have to be willing to live like no one will today.

When you arrive in Boringtown, USA find a property management company that will hire you on and offer to do everything they need. Don't worry about pay, just be sure to network with everyone you meet. Ask questions until people turn the other direction when they see you coming.

Best of luck this summer, wherever you go!