Starting a Syndication at 21 (NEED ADVICE)

[Lorenzo Lopez]

Hello all,

I'm looking to buy medium to large-scale value-add multifamily using OPM. 

I am wondering if my first steps (past the education part) is to build a network of people who know, like, and trust me through posting content like newsletters, articles, podcasts, doing webinars, going to events (aka build my brand), or, should I first find a deal and then raise capital?

The reason why I ask is because I'm sure some people are going to say it is critical to first build a network but I find myself doubting myself because why would someone listen to advice from a 21 year old who has never bought a deal before? Also, I am connected with a lot of sophisticated investors on Linkedin and I don't want to lose their respect because I am starting to post educational content when I have never done any transactions.

What do you guys think? Am I overthinking?