Newbie from Hartford, Connecticut

[Alex Figueroa]

Hey all! Alex Figueroa signing on. 27, wife, two kids. Just bought my first rental property last week, a duplex. Excited and nervous! My 9-5 is working as the Assistant Director of Aircraft Maintenance. I'm looking to get into more real estate transactions. Any and all (or is it better to stick to one thing right now?) I got my real estate license a little over a month ago. I know that will help me but I don't know where to go from here. I do have some money to play with, around 5k. Advice or ideas are welcome! Thanks everyone. -Mr. Fig

[Rick Santasiere]

Hi @Alex Figueroa and congrats on your first purchase.  You asked a pretty open-ended question, one that could be answered in a variety of ways.  If you love your job and plan to stay there until retirement, I have an answer.  If you are looking to phase out of your FTJ over a certain period, my advice might be a little different.  If you hate your FTJ and despise driving to work every day, and find yourself doing cartwheels on your way OUT of your office, then there's a much different strategy.  I am a real estate broker in Hartford County, and I was in the corporate environment for most of my adult life.  11 years ago, I got licensed, then 4 years ago I got my brokers license and started my own thing.  I would love to speak with you some time over coffee and share some of my experience, and give you some guidance as to how you might be able to get involved more in real estate (transactional), without hurting your long term goals (and the service you provide your clients).  One thing I will mention is that if you do not have flexibility in your current job, it will be more challenging for you to provide the same service to a client that a full time realtor could.  Reach out any time Alex, you can find all my info out here if you want to call, email, text.  Again, congrats on your first purchase!!