New to investing, living in New Jersey

[Sidney Johnson]

Hello! New investor here. I'm in the beginning stages of my RE investing journey and I'm here to begin networking. I would love to connect with some people, especially those with experience! Any input, advise, suggestions, cautions or tips on investing in New Jersey would be greatly appreciated. I'm currently spending time learning as much as I can from various resources including books here on BP, accumulating capital and structuring my strategy. 

I am also considering changing careers and becoming a real estate agent and would like some input on that. I have been working as a Mercedes-Benz Technician for over a decade now and I feel my earning potential has capped, especially with how the industry has changed for technicians over the years. As a technician I am familiar with the "feast or famine" mindset, self managing & organization, and how my personal effort impacts my income. Becoming an agent is attractive to me due to the earning potential, relationship building and flexibility. I was hoping to receive some realistic feedback on the "flexibility" aspect of the work. I understand the more clients you have, the busier you are. I guess I am trying to understand is how much of your life are you sacrificing as an RE agent. How does one manage this work/life balance? Any input would be great! 

Thank you!

[Shawn Mcenteer]

HI @Sidney Johnson.  House hacking is  great way to go.  You sound a bit like me when I first started investing.  I was a carpenter installing floors, never was satisfied knowing overtime was really the only way I could earn more.  I ended up getting real estate license (while still keeping my job) grew the real estate business and continued to buy properties. Today I am full time real estate.   I would strongly recommend keeping your current job at first and no matter what anyone say regarding you needed to be full time in real estate to be an agent I will let you know its an absolute lie.  It all comes down to systems and you absolutely can  do both RE and be a technician.