Did you have experience before your first deal?

[Ryan L.]

A question to all the veteran investors out there: Did you have the proper experience or seasoning before you went out and did your first deal? I ask because i'm a young guy with a bachelors in real estate, have a great business plan and I am an aspiring real estate investor/developer. I showed my plan to a gentleman that has been in the business for years and he said my plan is great but I should go work for a corporate investment firm and learn more before going out on my own. I had worked for an investor for a year where I managed a 46-unit building, from purchase to closing and did a pretty good job. I was in charge of all day to day management, rehab, etc. He eventually flipped the property after 8 months and made money out of it and didn't show up to the property once. I never managed a building before so needless to say it was a HUGE learning experience (especially at that size). I am not working for him anymore only because I relocated to Denver.

Here's my problem..I am not a corporate person. I can't sit in an office all day. I need to be on the move. I am extremely determined and passionate about RE and am constantly learning. I was born in a family of entrepreneurs and I want nothing more than to be one myself. I haven't been able to buy a property yet because of i'm tied up in a property back east (damn condos), but once I do, I plan on buying a multi-family to start, living in one unit and renting the others. I have investors - including my former boss - who believe in me and my capabilities enough to express interest in investing with me.

Did you jump in and learn as you went? Do you believe I should work for a firm before I start? I'm 25, not getting any younger and very eager to start building my business. However, I want to do this the right way. Help please!