Real estate agent before becoming an investor in real estate

[Tyus Foster]

I am a 22 year old graduating senior in college this upcoming May. I'm stuck between after graduating going to get my license to become an agent or to find a corporate job to help fund my future investment goals in Real estate. My ideal thinking of a young agent is that many people won't trust me compared to older agents as well as it could be MONTHS before I even get my first check. OR I could get a job in my major of business and begin saving towards my future REI goals. I'm stuck between the two, any suggestions?

[Cassi Justiz]

I think becoming an agent is great, but the beauty of that is that you can do that on the side of whatever corporate job that you get. If you become an agent you will be considered "self-employed" in most scenarios. This can be great, but it makes qualifying for a loan extremely difficult. Most banks will want to see two years of consistent income to be considered for a loan as a self-employed worker.

If I were in your shoes, I would do the W2 job first and start up real estate as a side hustle. Take full advantage of being easily bankable and getting consistent W2 income. I would build up funds for investing as well as a year of living expenses. I would also try to get into a house hack if you can. This way, when you do take the plunge into full time real estate, you don't have to stress about your income.