Passionate wrestler trying to make his goals a reality

[Santiago Martinez]

Okay so I am a newbie looking for his first investment.

Some background.. I live in Bethlehem, PA (Lehigh Valley) and graduated from Lehigh University last spring. I have a job with the electric company (a fortune 500 corp) that gives me the flexibility to do what I love, wrestling. I wrestle for the Lehigh Valley Wrestling Club that is at the University and I am currently 2nd on the national rankings in Colombia. My goal is to be the best wrestler ever from Colombia. I've been diving into educating myself with real estate and have set up a meeting with someone from the area to start my quest. As well as called a realtor to see a few properties. 

From what I have researched, I should start with house hacking. Initially, being near college students and having that connection, i figured i would go into the student rental niche (still might be the case). 

Before I commit to this niche, I thought it would be smart to take a step back and see the goal that i want to accomplish. Which is to become financially free by the end of the year to be able to train anywhere in the world. Then a ton of questions came up!

I would love to talk to someone about my real estate plans and what are the next few steps to take. 

[Michael Boyer]

Welcome Santiago!

That is a great bio with some amazing accomplishments (looks like you did great in DI and even made it to NCAA tournament and did well on the national level in Greco, too)...

No doubt you will have the drive and will power in any area... But good idea to take some time to set up your shots...You want to know what the next move will be: sales, property management/landlording, or even flipping properties.

I like your student rental idea (if you have the capital and time). Lots here on the landlording in the forums... some of the tasks may detract from your training  (especially if you are going like Olympic level)...

Another angle to think about: sales and building clientele. In areas like yours, people could really connect with someone involved with a sport they share an interest in... You may be able to coach the kids clubs, do clinics, etc. And when people need to sell a house, they might think of you... It is just a real opportunity to connect. And it looks like you are already a known commodity there in Lehigh Valley. 

I would think about talking to some very experienced realtors/brokers in the area, maybe even one of the firms that does a lot of sales around the college area...

That niche may work best with your current goals (not worrying about late rent or your contractors either)... Think about how you can market yourself as a top wrestler, Lehigh alum, etc. Then you'd have the license and experience to buy your own properties, too.

Best of luck...