Midtown Memphis

[Butler VanVeckhoven]

Hey everyone! 

I've been reading and listening to content on BiggerPockets for a while, but I decided it was about time to introduce myself. I'm Butler VanVeckhoven and I am looking to buy, rehab, and hold rental properties. 

I'm very young (19) and have two classmates that are looking to jump into real estate with me. We have been in the education phase for well over a year and will continue be until we graduate in 2018. However, we go to school two hours outside of Memphis and we have noticed properties we could definitely afford to get started on in Midtown. 

Is getting started in college a risky move even if we have the excess cash reserves to do so? Or is it never to early to get started? I appreciate any help and look forward to connecting with anyone in the area. Thank y'all!

[Chris Clothier]

@Butler VanVeckhoven - 

Welcome to BiggerPockets.com!  I love that you are already trying to get started.  My younger brother went to Ole Miss and bought his first properties in Memphis while he was still in school.    It is never too early to get started....provided that you have a good support system of knowledgeable investors to lean on.  I admire the moxie to get started young and build, just make sure you have someone or a team of someones who can help keep you from getting too far out there.

As for Midtown Memphis, try and connect with @Derrick Craig on here and even Terry Kerr who is not on BiggerPockets.   Both of them, I believe, have worked quite a bit in the Midtown area and can give you plenty of advice as starting investors.  They both sell properties to investors, again - I believe they are both still in that business, but from what I know about both of them, they will certainly help keep you from getting too risky whether you are a client or not.

I may do a lot of business in Memphis and manage nearly 3,000 properties here, I do not do a lot of business in Midtown.  So, while I know the area ~ I am probably more familiar with the restaurants and the nightlife!  There are other investors and professionals who can give you some good feedback on the street level in that area.

I'm excited for you and love to hear about younger investors getting started.  I think you have taken a super smart step by jumping onto BP and asking for advice and direction.  

Best of luck

Chris