Questions to every successful real estate investor

[Andrew Saquing]

If you knew what you know about real estate investing, what would you have done differently when you first began? What mistakes did you make early in your career?

I am a college student interested in real estate investing. I am in the process of obtaining my R.E salesperson license and I have money to immediately invest in real estate. What I really want, though, is to get direct experience within the industry through interning or shadowing etc..

Are there actually investors who are willing to take someone "under their wing?" If so, given the fact that I have little experience/knowledge, what are some ways that I could make myself stand out to an investor playing with the idea of becoming a mentor?

Thanks to all who reply for their help.

[Sharon Vornholt]

Andrew, learn everything you can about real estate investing. While it can be helpful to have your license, I don't believe that it is necessarily a requirement. Here are some things I would suggest

-Join your local REI group ASAP. That is where you will find someone to mentor you and a lot of free education. I bought my first few deals from this group.

-Hang out on forums like Bigger Pockets and learn.

-Read blogs by other real estate investors. My blog is like a lot of others that are dedicated to teaching other investors. Most folks also are very willing to share their "mistakes" along with their successes.

The main thing you need to do, is invest in your education. While there are some great courses out there that are for sale, there is also a ton of free education just for investing a little of your time. And my hat's off to you for thinking about becoming a real estate investor while you're still in school.

Even if you choose another career, it's still a great idea to invest in real estate.

I am "dragging" my 10 year old granddaughter along with me this summer. So far, I haven't made her fall in love with this business, but she is learning about entrepreneurs and what they do. She has learned though that when a house is really smelly, that it is the "smell of money".

Good luck.