Excited learner from Upper Darby, PA (near Philadelphia)

[Daniel Taylor]

IF YOU DON'T WANT TO READ WHAT TURNED OUT TO BE A PRETTY LONG POST, SKIP RIGHT TO THE BOTTOM FOR THE SUPER SHORT VERSION!

My name is Daniel Taylor. I'm 28 and balance a freelance writing career with a 30 hr/week job as an aircraft fueling supervisor with UPS. I have no real experience with real estate aside from purchasing my first home with my wife in late 2014. We gutted it and have been renovating since Winter 2015.

I'm currently making approximately 40% of my tiny income writing. Though I have a college degree, I don't foresee a future in which is plays a large role in my success. I've been effective and highly praised in the various jobs I've held but lose interest when I run out of things to learn, making it dissatisfying to stay with an employer long enough to "climb the ranks."

My hope is to develop financial independence through my writing and the cash flow/asset collection that comes from holding rental properties. I think I'm most interested in multifamily residences. Flipping definitely holds appeal for me too, but I understand that it's not as easy as it sometimes seems.

Currently, I'm working hard to pay down my credit card debt and develop a 6-month emergency fund, so I don't think I'll be in a position to acquire my first property for at least two years. Right now I'm just ready to learn whatever I can so that I'm prepared when my opportunity comes.

I tend to be more of a reader/solo learner, but think that down the road I may want to find someone willing to trade their knowledge for a good writer, willing laborer, or general volunteer. 

My short-term goals (12-24 months): eliminate credit card debt, finish renovating my first home (which I currently live in with my wife), increase writing income to ~60% of my total income.

My medium-term goals (3-8 years): write the novel that's been marinating, begin developing an investment portfolio, purchase an investment property, end my stint as someone else's employee, visit Alaska's national parks.

My long-term goals (6-35 years): make a modest living as a writer/author, own ~6 multifamily properties, purchase a second home for vacationing (?), visit the entire lineup of American national parks, start a conservation- or education-focused business (probably something online or with a small, local reach).

TL;DR - I want to attain financial independence so I can more easily do the things that make me happy. I think I like multifamily properties but I'm hungry to learn and willing to change my mind!