Mostly Newbie investor in Riverside, CA

[Derek Henkes]

Hello BP Community! My name is Derek Henkes and I just graduated from the University of California Riverside after 3 years with a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration. I just got married in May to my high school sweatheart and I am in the application/preparation process to join the United States Marine Corps as a commissioned officer.

I have experience subletting my apartment to other college students (probably wasn't allowed by my rental agreement but hindsight 20/20) as well as a wealth of experience landscaping and maintaining SFHs with my Father and Grandfather.

I first discovered BiggerPockets years ago when I was 16 after reading Rich Dad Poor Dad (of course) and pursued different paths but continued to keep real estate in mind. I am now 21 and over the past year I have been listening to podcasts and lurking on the site and decided it was time to join.

Currently I am between college and Marine Corps career and am looking to use this spare time to work as a handy man or just an extra hand in the Riverside area for the next several months to gain more experience and a little cash! My goal for the next year and a half is to pay off all student debt I have with an interest rate greater than 5% and to continue to educate myself in Real Estate Investing, particularly multifamily and single family rentals as well as fix and flips. Once my high interest debt is paid off I will be saving for a down payment to use with either an FHA or VA loan when that time comes.

This is an exciting place and I look forward to more discussions with the community! Thank You!

[Sean Carroll]

first off @Derek Henkes thank you for enlisting into the marines, it is greatly appreciated that you are willing to serve your country. The marines will give you some very wonderful opportunities to get into real estate investing. Have you thought about refinancing your student loan debt? Also do you know where you will be stationed after basic? If you ever want to talk or need some questions answered I'm only a phone call away!