Is my goal realistic?

[Mark Statner]

Hi,

I am trying to set myself a goal on how to get started in real estate. I am currently working a full time job and all I think about is real estate. I want something bigger for me and my family and since I was introduced to the Bigger Pockets podcast, iv'e been learning a lot. However, I know that real estate is not a get-rich-quick type of thing and iv'e been thinking about this a lot. 

One of my options is to start working for someone in real estate to gain experience and my way up. However, the starting pay is usually very low and giving up my current job simply wont get me through. 

I was recently approached by a family friend and he is eager to start investing in real estate. He asked me if I would be able to find deals for investment. Since I don't have any experience in this at all I was thinking of the following: I would become a real estate agent. I would then have access to the MLS and get deals through that. Since I myself would be the agent, I would only pay the listing agent his half of the commission and my part would fall back into the profit pot. I know I would still have lots to learn as far as analyzing deals but is this a realistic goal?

If anyone would have any comments on this, I would truly appreciate it. 

[Account Closed]

Hi Mark, that is the most thought of route for people in your situation and in my opinion, totally wrong. ;-) EVERYBODY uses the MLS. It is picked over before you can get to it. It takes time to get your license which prevents you from getting started. I have not used a real estate agent in decades. I tried using agents but I was better at than they. Not bragging, just know my strengths. I find all of my deals "off market". Door knocking, mailers, advertising, word of mouth, etc, the same way an agent would find listings. There is a treasure trove of ways to find listings on YouTube. There will be several agents that say your plan is great to become an agent. Yeah, yeah, yeah, heard it all before. It isn't necessary and in some ways hampers progress. Quit making excuses and go knock on doors and ask if they are wanting to sell or if they know someone who might want to sell. So, you end up meeting some really nice people and a few sour ones. So what? It's a business, not a popularity contest. ;-)