Soon to be real estate agent/investor in Jacksonville, FL area

[Devin Alvarado]

Hello, my name is Devin Alvarado and first off, Thank you for taking the time to checkout my personal introduction here on BP, it means a lot. Second, I wanna start out by saying I am 18 years old and I live in the Jacksonville Florida area. In high school I never really knew what I wanted to do but I knew I LOVED the idea of business and also owning property. I have watched so many videos, and read countless articles, and researched for way too many hours on topics of business and entrepreneurs and different motivators over the years, and I finally have the drive to take the steps I need to take to and take ACTION towards being able to have the life I want. This means becoming successful in investing and my entrepreneurial pursuits, with ultimate financial freedom for my future family and my parents. I just feel I need to gain a lot more knowledge on different topics in real estate and investing and boost my financial literacy. If anyone at all wants to give me any advice I am open to literally anything. I love learning. Once again thank you so much and I look forward to your responses(:

[Dionne Brunson]

Hi @Devin Alvarado, Welcome to BP and to real estate. I'm a tad biased because I absolutely love real estate but many people say it's hard. I tend to disagree. I think it can be challenging but not hard. I'll give you some advice from MY perspective: 

1. If you want to work with investors know, at least, the basics. Know that many investors think real estate agents are useless. But also know that we are not if you, as an agent, are doing your job correctly. In fact, once investors find an agent they work well with they will often pull you in the deals you weren't originally a part of. Because you will be managing the transaction for them and they will be sure you get your commission from the seller and give you the listing if they sell. Win-win. 
2. Don't be ashamed of wanting and achieving multiple streams of income. This business is cyclical and you want to be able to sustain during the down times. Sometimes other agents will want to shame you for doing more than real estate. You don't have to broadcast it but you don't have to be ashamed either. This is YOUR life. You really can do what makes YOU happy. 
3. Don't spend a ton of money on marketing when you get started.  Just keep plugging away at tried and true methods. They work. The Internet helps a great deal but there are MANY agents that are successful without it. Find out why and learn from them. 
4. Treat your $20k investment property exactly the same way you would treat your fourplex $900k property. Integrity, honesty and solid morals go a long way in this business. 
5. JUST BE YOURSELF! Not everyone is going to like you or want to you use. That's okay. It's simply the way life works. Your goal is to find the people that will work with you and not to stress over the people that won't. 

Sorry so long. lol lol Again...welcome.