My Introduction

[Justin Schmitz]

Hi guys, my name is Justin and I am just a little guy in the real estate ranks. Although I have had my mind on RE for 5-6 years now, it's just no time has ever felt right to just jump right in, and so, I have just been sitting here being inactive and living in a world of what if's and theory, which I am sure many of you can relate. I'll be turning 29 in June, I have a decent job in downtown Boston as a software engineer, but I am still unhappy that I have not yet started on this venture in real estate, especially since it has consumed so much of my mental thoughts. Anyway, I have been listening to the podcast here at BP and soaking in as much as I can.

My goal like many of you here, or the goal that makes the most sense to me is investing in multi/single family homes long term and renting them out. At the moment I really have no interest in flipping, wholesaling, etc. I want to keep things as simple as possible. I'm sure there are plenty out there that would argue that these are niches are doable, but based on my own sense of comfortability, I am generally risk adverse and if I don't understand something I tend to walk away until I have time to pursue it in more detail. Don't know if this is a hindrance.

My roadblocks... Boston man, while I have listened to these podcast, I can't help but feel like Boston is way overpriced right now. It feels like it is cheaper to rent than to own. Should I be looking elsewhere while I'm starting out? I do not own a car right now, so it is sometimes a problem to get out and about to look at open houses and other opportunities, especially if they are out of the city. Lastly, I just have an overwhelming sense that I am simply stuck, dead in the water before I have even started. Is this normal?

Real estate has been something that has been on my mind for way too long and to have not taken a single step is really disheartening. I am here on BP first and foremost, to learn as much as possible, but to also build relationships with other like minded folks. I have asked a couple of questions already here at BP and everyone has been so gracious, this really is a seemingly great online community, so thank you so far.