Internships?

Question

I am a young (soon to be) real estate investor. I am a freshman in college and currently pursuing a degree in business. I want to get involved in real estate investing as soon as I graduate, but for now how should I go about looking for a company/investor of whom I can intern for? This would only be a summer time proposition and I can go without being paid. I am primarily concerned with educating myself and gaining experience. I'm very interested in landlord opportunities but want to know all facets of the industry. Renting/Commercial-Renting/Wholesaling and Flipping.

Thanks guys,

-Tim

Thanks guys,

-Tim

Mark N.A · Answer

Tim,

For your first year go with a big house where you will get exposure to lots of areas.

You will learn where you want to go for your next year, and will have added a great notch on your resume.

Timothy Johnson · Answer

How do I find local REIA meetings? (I'm from Mass) Also how do I locate REI Groups? Are there ways to tell if they are legitimate or not? I have also read that being a bird dog is a good way to become familiar with how the industry works, is this true? If so how can I begin to bird dog?
In essence what made you become involved in the industry and how were you able to get your foot in the door? Any regrets or things you wish you had done differently?

Again thanks alot,

-Tim

Kyle K. · Answer

Internships are great.  The problem is finding someone, or some company, with which you would like to intern.  As mentioned earlier, real estate investment groups are a great place to find someone to intern for.  Perhaps you can find a great mentor at a real estate seminar.  You'll know when you've found someone that you want to learn from and when you do, pop the question.

Rachel H. · Answer

I agree with Harrison - check out your local REIA and you can also network here on BP  :D

FInd someone who is doing what you want to do and who you can learn from. There are a lot of people out there who feed on new people - seek out the leaders in your community. It's a good starting point - find out who the real key players are in your area.

Good luck and keep us posted!  :D

Harrison Painter · Answer

In my opinion, the best way to start networking for mentors is at your local REIA meetings.

There are a lot of sharks in the investment pond, so be very careful as you talk to people about working with them. EVERYBODY is looking for a partner!  :lol:

Get references.......

You might be able to find an investment broker and work as an unlicensed assistant for the summer, it will help to learn the Broker side of the real estate business.

BP is also a fantastic place to ask many of your questions. Members here are always willing to listen to your challenges and get you headed in the right direction.

Good Luck!!

Jason Bentley · Answer

Tim,

How ironic. My wife and I recently used biggerpockets to land an introduction to a successful group of investors where we currently live -- basically with a similar intent as yours. We have the fundamentals of our business already established and are relatively young in our market.

We ended up talking about a possible joint venture that would allow our experienced partners to gain entry into a market that they currently have no presence in. By leveraging the time, resources, and abilities of my wife and I, these reputable investors will be able to grow their revenues while allowing us to do the same. My wife and I will of course get the benefit of learning from people who have "been there, done that" and be able to possibly avoid the longer learning curve and pitfalls of roughing it on our own.

The deal between us is far from sealed yet, but by going in with a win-win attitude, being honest, and being willing to put in serious work instead of asking for a handout, my wife and I have hopefully positioned ourselves for a great opportunity. I pray that you'll be able to do something similar for yourself.