Beginning investing at a young age

[Account Closed]

Hi there all,

Recently I made the big decision to postpone college for the next year and focus on building up my financial literacy and real estate. I see where I want to be in the short term and long term, however here's the small little problem: I don't know where to start. 

Since I'm about to graduate high school, I'm going to have a huge amoint of free time that's going to allow me to focus more on my personal and wealth growth. What recommendations do you all have? As of now, the only preparation I have been doing is reading forums and books and using the rich dad coaching program that my father so wonderfully paid for me as a tool to use. Should I begin by going to REIA meetings or just try to delve in? Any sort of advice would help this 17 year old.

Thank you!

[Daniel O.]

@Account Closed You might consider doing a combination of learning about real estate investing by reading books and attending REIA meetings, reading stuff here etc., AND taking a class or two each semester at a community college. A class on plumbing or electrical systems or hvac or something related to building trades will serve you well throughout your life. With the skills you will gain in the class, you will be better able to evaluate the properties you will be looking at, as well as to save money handling repairs yourself. And you will have a marketable skill that you can put to use anywhere in the country if you decide to move around. Even if you don't want to work in the building trades as part of your strategy, having this knowledge will help you understand what you are looking at, negotiate with contractors, etc. I agree with @Michael Beeman, don't spend a lot of time on the Rich Dad coaching. There are more useful and productive ways for someone your age to spend their time.  Good luck. Taking a year off before college is a great idea!