START OR WAIT: A NAVY KID

[Luis Sampedro]

Hi everyone, 

I hope you all have been having a good Monday. I am in need of some advice as to what I should do. I've recently been financially inspired! I finished reading RICH DAD POOR DAD and have been listening to the BP Podcast. I know for a fact that real estate investing is something I want to pursue. It's going to happen. However, I'm not sure what I can do to start now or if should wait to start.

I'm currently in the Navy living in Jacksonville, NC. I am due to transfer to California for a 6-month school, then I'll transfer to another school in Florida, and continue to do that for a total of 2 years. It is a long training pipeline that bounces me around different states.

Given my current situation, what should I do? Yes, right now I am inspired and hyped after reading and listening to so much great content, but that will die down once I'm in my training program focusing passing exams and evolutions. Are there small steps I can take to make sure I'm set up for the for future? or should I just start to get into it now? or Wait to start in two years when I'm done with all my schools?

I look forward to reading suggestions and advice from you ladies and gentlemen. Thank you in advance.

Respectfully, 

Luis

[Abel Curiel]

Hello @Luis Sampedro and welcome to the BP forums!

Glad to hear that you, like many of us on BP, got inspired by Rich Dad, Poor Dad. Awesome book!

What I would recommend at this stage is to do 2 things:

1. Research

2. Network

Research would entail reading more about RE investing (BP bookstore is great and I also recommend Gary Keller's Millionaire RE investor). Also, check out potential areas that you'd like to live in and/or invest in. The fact that you're bouncing around a bit for the next couple of years is great! You'll get to see, first hand, what different cities/towns look like around the country. Check out what homes (single family and multifamily) are selling AND renting for.

With regards to networking, connect with investor friendly lenders to get an idea of what you'd qualify for in term of financing. This will give you an idea of what your buying power is now and in the future. I'd also recommend connecting with investor-friendly Realtors so that you can have someone help you navigate your target market - show you homes, send you listings, review comps, help you analyze deals, etc.

Thank you for your service to our country and best of luck to you on your journey!

Abel