College student indecisive on being RE agent or not.

[Adam Rose]

Hello BP forums,

This is my first BP post! I'm a 19 yr. old college student on course to become a law enforcement officer, which I am highly anxious for that job. I have one year left until I'm in a academy. I'm really interested in RE investing and wanting to be in the field soon as possible. I as a Police Officer will be financial okay with acquiring SFH as a start. I will invest locally where I live now so I know that market best. My question would be, stopping my current path of law enforcement and get my RE license quicker (possibly a year or two earlier).

I would think being a RE agent, you would have more connections, see more properties available and possibly acquire more properties faster. My plan is to have enough passive income by age 30 so I can have financial freedom and enjoy more of life.

All I know is RE agents have a significant lower median salary than a Law Enforcement officer’s pay. My sources are from Salary.com. I believe the salary is without any benefits and commission. I’m stuck between these two professions in helping me become a successful investor quicker and better.

FYI, I want to do buy and holds and possibly do some flips while with SFH and I also live in suburbs of Columbus, Ohio.

Being an Law Enforcement officer

Pros

• Better Pay
• Benefits
• A preferred Job
• More money for down payments

Cons

• No connections to RE
• Can’t see deals or properties while at work
• Not related to RE

Being an RE agent:

Pros:

• Create connections with other investors, lawyers, banks, etc
• Catch deals soon as they are placed on the market or even before the market
• See more properties and know the best areas to buy knowing and hearing from other investors and/or RE agents.
• I will become more educated in the field and be wiser about investing

Cons:

• Lower Pay
• Not sure about benefits
• Possibly less money for down payments
• Slow Season

-Sorry for the long post. I’m young and it’s difficult to make a decision. I would enjoy some good insight of what everyone thinks. I’m open to all questions and feedback. 

Thank you in advance for reading the whole post and all the feedback!