New military REI in Clarksville TN

[Preston Ellis Biggs]

Hi! kind of late on the introduction, but anyway My name is Preston Biggs. I'm 22 years old and am married to the most wonderful woman on earth. I've lived in Clarksville for the last 3 years and during this current deployment I decided that instead of buying a new car (my 2001 isuzu trooper is still kicking!) or gun, I decided I wanted to finally invest in real estate so I got with my agent whom I had met 2 years ago at a bbq and am now about to close on a duplex that we found on the MLS in 37042! It is going to be a house hack as im utilizing my VA loan entitlement so it is costing me (almost) nothing out of pocket (obviously needs some paint and minor updating, it was built in the 70s). I am really excited for this learning experience I will have with this property. I know this is my first post on here but I have been silently watching the forums and reading blog posts, listening to podcasts. Reading books has been my biggest source. Ken Mcelroy's ABC's and of course Brandon Turner's book on rental property investing, have not read J. Scott's books yet but they are in transit from Amazon now and I am definitely looking forward to reading them. My plan with this 1st property is to use it mostly as a sandbox to learn the management side of rental properties and just seeing if I can make it work with my job. My father was a GC and always brought me along on his jobs every weekend throughout my schooling "career" and I have learned a lot in terms of renovations so I am hoping that experience will help me to eventually get into the BRRRR method (I really need to get better at talking to people though) and build lasting relationships in the Clarksville TN area. Things I do for fun: Bourbon (before you ask, Bulliet 10 year), Cigars(Padron little hammers and Roma Craft Neanderthals), canoeing, shooting recreationally, playing music with my friends, and of course video games (I'm 22, give me a break). I know what you're thinking "expensive hobbies" but I found that with a little self control and some budgeting I can afford them pretty easily by sacrificing other non necessities, like cable or HBO etc, etc... Anyway, that's about all I've got and if you've made it this far through my rambling I appreciate it! Also, any advice or words of encouragement are appreciated, Thanks!

[Aaron Lovett]

Good to have you here, @Preston Ellis Biggs!  Same to the rest of the Clarksville contingent: @Ron Dayley, @Nicholas Earls.  One of my best friends just signed on a house in Clarksville - one of those "too good to pass up" deals.  

Since you asked for advice and encouragement - in order of importance:  

1. Love your woman as she needs and wants to be loved.  

2. Keep reading and learning, and apply what you learn.

3. In real estate, play long term strategy over short term tactics.  

4. In life, put the social and emotional needs of your family above financial prosperity

You'll do fine if you do those things.  Support from your immediate family is a huge benefit.  Since every decision you make affects those closest to you, they need to know that you are doing your best with their interests in mind.  Depending on your relationship, this might mean that sometimes you hold back some, or that you ask the other person to hold back.  The point is that you are taking risks and receiving rewards together, so do things as a team.  Working together has its own rewards.

I wish you the best, and look forward to hearing of your adventures!