Newbie in LA! [Wholesale or Househack as first investment?]

[Joe Kim]

Hello BP fam! Joe Kim here, a newbie to REI in Los Angeles. I am currently a graphic design teacher, graphic design freelancer, and newly licensed real estate agent. My journey to the world of REI began with my personal experience as a renter, HGTV, Dave Ramsey podcasts, a desire to become an agent, and now the Bigger Pockets podcast.

I am most enthusiastic about building a portfolio of rental properties for financial freedom. I believe my love for rehabilitation, interior design, experience in leading various teams, creating systems, and managing students will lend themselves well to the responsibilities of being a landlord. I hope to generate enough income to transition into part time teaching and graphic design, while building my asset column through real estate. I also hope to experiment with using Airbnb's platform for some of my future properties.

My current plan is to continue saving up money through frugal living, hustling with freelance design jobs, and selling real estate as an agent to purchase my first house hack. However, I have been wondering if I should get into the game sooner than later, attempting to find creative financing, or using a first time home owner FHA to lower my down payment.

Any insight with these first property questions would be very much appreciated. Thank you and nice to digitally meet you all!