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!