Driven senior college student from Montana

[Carlin Andersen]

Hi

My name is Carlin Andersen (25 years old)

I have recently become interested in real estate investing, and I'm looking to engage myself in a social network of like-minded people!

I am currently a student at the University of Montana -- where I have about another year (2016) before I receive my undergraduate degree. 

The bigger pocket community seems extremely active, and I have already learned so much from both the community and Brandon's videos! 

I am wanting to further my real estate education, and learn about good first-time-investor markets/properties, so that I can jump on a deal as soon as I enter the "real world" after my education. 

Please excuse me if my real estate terminology is weak, as I am still a newbie. However, I definitely feel driven to make it as a real estate investor, and have been researching and gathering as much information as I have time for.

My goal is to establish a portfolio of around 35-45 units and hopefully generate enough passive income to where I can comfortably enjoy my life, independent of 9-5 work commitments. Although this is a common statement, I have recently committed myself to achieving this goal, and believe it is a very realistic, and attainable one. 

Any contact/help/tips would be awesome, as I look forward to meeting people and to start establishing a network in the community!  :)

Thanks!

-Carlin Andersen  

[Alan Brown]

As to your choice in WHERE to begin focusing on REI, these are the things I would look at:

Where would you LIKE to live?  I prefer MT, but Spokane has some awesome reasons to be there.

Where would you have the best (or most--or ANY)  job prospects?  A W2 job will help you dramatically in qualifying for conventional loans.  Will make your process much easier, especially at the beginning.  

Demographics.. both have good rental markets and pretty affordable prices... Spokane is a lot larger, which probably means you will have a lot more opportunities to choose from.

one other more minor thing that falls under major due diligence as to picking a market, is how friendly a particular state or town is toward landlords... how long evictions take, for expample, if you plan on renting.  Brandon's book on Low or no money down investing would be great, and, as he is from Washington State, there might be nuggets in there of particular value to you.

Either place, as Pyrrha says, I would highly recommend house hacking to get going... super easy at your age, and an EXCELLENT way to build rental properties at an early age with tiny money down.  When you get closer to building a family, things get a lot more complicated, but if you start now, you'll probably have cash flow and good leverage (not to mention experience) in your pocket.

good luck!