17 years old, advice for getting started

[Aden Brust]

Hey! My name is Aden Brust and I'm 17 years old and I love real estate! I have been constantly learning about real estate and investing in general from BiggerPockets and YouTube since I was 15. More recently it has got more real as I have networked and got to meet some great people that are now mentors. I have a good idea of how I want to start ( hopefully use an FHA loan to get a 1-4 unit and house hack ) but I just wanted some extra advice that maybe I haven't heard yet from anyone on here! Thank you!

[Nick M.]

My $0.01:  

Start now by running your personal finance like a business - build a system to watch every expense with minimal effort.  Keep it simple.  Stick to the system.

Avoid taking on debt for depreciating things to keep up with a lifestyle or your friends.  Delayed gratification will give you the freedom to build multiple streams of income.  (e.g. job + rentals + side business)  

Think of what really matters to you long term.  Financial freedom is usually a vehicle to some other goal.  It's OK not to know right now.   

Continue to help others as you learn and grow.  

I'm just over 10 years out from where you are.  I've paid lots of 'life education' tax over those 10 years.  I wish I had your focus when I was your age.  Good for you!!  Reach out anytime.