Best use of time in learning real estate investing

[Romain Amrani]

- I'm an inspiring commercial real estate investor getting ready to go to college. I'll be going to a community college for the first two years and I've set up my schedule to have only two (very long) days a week of classes. The other 3 business days will be saved for work. I came into real estate investing first looking at single family residential. I spent a few months focusing on single family and came to the decision that I would work as a part time real estate agent focusing on single family homes to better learn the business. More recently I've decided to move to commercial real estate, specifically in apartment buildings. I've since been doing constant research on that field. My question is will I find the same value out of becoming a part time real estate agent selling single family homes and going into commercial real estate investing as I would if I were still going into residential. If not, would I find more value becoming a part time commercial real estate agent. The obvious choice seems to be becoming a commercial agent but is that even practical at my age since from what I've learned it's tougher to get into. If neither of those, what other forms of leverage can I use to get ahead of the game just aside from simple research. I've spaced my work week out to have quality time to spend on learning this business and I am now looking for the best way to spend that time.

[Paul Haviland]

I think that is great advise, the PM side of the business is one of the most important to long term success. If you are in a college town, there is likely a large amount of seasonal turnover. PM companies will often augment their staff with extra leasing agents. What better way is there to learn what tenants are looking for in a rental in your area?