New and inexperienced

[Samuel Seay]

I'm currently on work release finishing a long prison sentence. I've studied a number of real estate books and truly want to get into real estate investing. I have seven months left before I'm fully free and really want this real estate thing to work. I'm not afraid of the work I have to put in; I just don't know where or how I will start. Do any have any suggestions?

[Doug Smith]

Hi @Samuel Seay, I know a guy that is in right now who is a talented HVAC guy...he simply had a drug problem that he couldn't kick. One of the biggest issues that flippers and contractors have right now is that they can't get good people that want to work. Your willingness to do so is a huge strength. If you have the opportunity to learn a skill like carpentry, flooring, framing, electrical, HVAC, etc, you'll make yourself valuable to flippers or contractors that need someone they can count on. I would start there. 

Indulge me a minute for a story. Many moons ago, I bought a restaurant with a partner.The previous owners went over the employees they had and told me about "Jim", who had recently been released after a sentence for selling drugs and they said "you might not want to keep him". Something told me to keep him and he turned out to be our best employee. After seeing how great he was, we made him the manger. You're going to have an uphill battle when you get out...you'll have a stigma. If you bring a useful skill, however, you'll get a chance to prove yourself. 

Make yourself valuable to flippers and contractors. Learn the business while you save up money and make business connections. As you connect, there will be people that don't have your skill set and experience, but have cash that they want to deploy. That will be your ticket. I wish you all the luck in the world on your new life and fresh start. Good luck, Samuel!