I am 18 years old and I want to start now, any suggestions?

Question

Hi everyone! I am 18 years old and I got really interested in real estate for a while now. I have been reading several books and tried to learn from anywhere I could about the business. I just discovered this site and I love it! So, if someone has some tips how a guy like me could start, for example:( Wholesale, managing some properties for someone else, etc.) I would love to hear something about you guys, and I am excited to get to know more cool people here!

Bruce May · Answer

@Oscar  Frias welcome to the site. Doing the things suggested by @Nicole Jones is a great way to get started. See if you can find a real estate investment club in your area. I think the closest one to you is the San Diego Creative Investors Association (www.sdcia.com). If you attend their meetings you'll meet many people in the business and can find some of the resources Nicole mentioned. Where ever you go hold on to your wallet. There are many people in the world trying to separate you from your money so do your due diligence before jumping into anything with anyone.

Nicole Jones · Answer

Oscar, you're awesome!

It's great that you have a passion at your age. Would you be interested in being an agent for a while to get to know the industry from that angle? It's not entirely time consuming or difficult to obtain a license. If I had to do things over I may have done that instead of slaving for my degrees (not advocating against education of course). That's an option. Other than that a property management job is great. Interact on here, BP, which is helping me learn everyday. Also, find a mentor! Build a relationship with an investor, contractor who works with investors, agent maybe... etc. Other than that SAVE and SPEND LESS. This is advice just in general but it helps to build a small amount of wealth to begin. As soon as you think you can buy, get started. Run through some numbers with someone experienced (preferably not someone who will profit from your purchase) and take advantage of the first time homebuyer incentive. Other than that good luck!

Joshua Swanger · Answer

I apologize if I'm hijacking this thread but those are great actionable steps that I will be looking into. Thank you all very much for the great tips and ideas.

Patrick Desjardins · Answer

Congratulations on getting started young.

I think it really depends on what resources are at your disposal. How much money do you have to invest?

Aside from money, another factor is who is in your network? If you start going to a real estate investment club and everyone is a rehabber then you might have more opportuties to do what they do. Same if they're buy and hold, or note investors.

If you don't have a lot of resources, perhaps starting a small services business is best (ie lawn care, painting, flooring). That way you increase your capital base and you meet a lot of contacts.

Bara Nwokoma · Answer

Welcome to BP! Don't forget to take some action in supplement of gaining the education in Real Estate! Get out there and connect with other investors. You just may find someone to be your mentor

Good luck!!

Oscar Frias · Answer

Thank you all for your advice! I appreciate it. So awesome the support you can get from this site I love it!

Che Chiu Wong · Answer

Welcome @Oscar  Frias!

First off, kudos to having such a defined interest in real estate at such a young age! I believe you already have a great start as you are already taking actions to get into the rewarding business!

There are many different areas in real state and you have named a few already. Subareas such as property management, wholesaling, and development to being an agent and landlord. There are also residential vs commercial real estate. You don't have to decide on one now. I would suggest reading through different categories (BP is a great start!) and see what interests you. Aside from that you can also attend real estate groups to talk to the professionals. That way you might be able to find a mentor too!

All the best to your career in real estate!

Brian Gibbons · Answer

@Oscar  Frias

Welcome to bigger pockets and make sure you download all the free information in the resources tab

I'm glad you're reading everything but it's important if you going to be in California doing local business I would get licensed in the state of California

I would specialize in being a good listing agent and getting a listing presentation down very very well,

Keller Williams Realty does great training

Second of all, I would learn how to negotiate and use word patterns to your best of your ability when dealing withhome sellers

So go get EM and best of luck in California!

John Steele · Answer

Welcome to BP @Oscar  Frias! You are in a great place to learn and it is great that you are getting involved so early! Good luck with everything.

-John

Michael Reilly · Answer

Oscar,

Thanks for sharing!  Best of luck to you!  We are located here in San Diego if you ever have questions fire them off be happy to help where I can.

I am 18 years old and I want to start now, any suggestions?

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