Newbie From Alger, Michigan

[Jessica Lentine]

Greetings, my name is Jessica Lentine. I am currently a machine operator at a manufacturing plant in my area. I also have an associates degree in business and accounting.

Since I was a teenager, I was always interested in real estate. But I could never wrap my head around buying it without going through a bank and getting a huge loan, so my dream kind of went on the back burner, so to speak.

Recently, I took up a part time job as an independent contractor doing occupancy checks for some companies. After a while, i was contracted to start going into repossessed homes and doing inside pics along with adding my opinion to what may need repairing/replaced. That is when I got hooked on real estate again.

Since the beginning of July, I have been reading, studying, and even driving more slowly by empty houses. I then found you guys here at Bigger Pockets and I'm more hooked than ever!

I really would like to start wholesaling and doing rentals. I am also very interested in the mobile/manufacturing housing as well. But, my gut keeps telling me to get my real estate license. I'm not against it at all because of the benefits and knowledge that comes with it. My only hesitation is that, here in Michigan, I have to work under a broker for three years before I can be a broker myself (losing valuable investing time). I would also have to find a broker to employ me, and around here, there are maybe a handful. Lastly, can it be an occupation that can be worked part-time (hate to give up a paying job to get my feet wet)?

Or am I just better off starting my own gig? Advertising as a bird dog for other investors? Etc.

Any input or comments are greatly appreciated. Thanks for reading and giving me a chance to introduce myself.

Jessica