Are you doing ride alongs?

[Jeff Wallenius]

After seeing post after post of investors asking how exactly to get started in real estate I thought I'd give my $.02. 

Have you ever heard of a ride along? As I was preparing to pursue a career in the fire service I began visiting fire stations and asking to ride along for the day. This experience gives new firefighters the opportunity to learn the specifics of the job, run calls, interact with the crews, see the equipment, etc. This not only helps to educate the up and coming firefighter, it allows those in the department to begin to get to know the firefighter. When interview time comes around, those in the department know the individuals that came to ride along and put the time in and those that did not. The same holds true for real estate investors!

As a new investor I reached out to investors or business professionals in my area that had achieved a level of success or held knowledge that I wanted to obtain. I asked to ride along for the day, make coffee, sweep their floors, or do anything I could to spend time with them and begin the educational process. Now these ride alongs did not always unlock the secret door to success, but each time I learned something. On a quick side note, a secret door of success does not exist, it's called hard work and perseverance!  Back to the point, sometimes I learned how not to operate a business, which again is valuable information. This concept is not only for new investors looking to get started, but I still employ this strategy as I venture into new aspects of real estate or business. I always am seeking education, and for a hands on learner like myself, I need to dive into the subject at hand. 

Start by seeking out those investors or business leaders around you and ask to ride along, attend local real estate meetups, stop by local flips and ask to walk through, call contractors and ask to see their projects, etc. Remember to provide some value! Buy lunch, jump in and work if your with a contractor or work needs done, volunteer to do small tasks, etc. This is your business and treat it as so, no one is going to build your empire for you so go out and get started! 

Best of luck and enjoy the ride!