Newbie living in Manhattan, NY

[Justin Bridges]

Hi everyone! I signed up about a month ago but I’ve finally worked up the courage to say hello. My name is Justin, and I’m a fashion and lifestyle photographer and creative consultant living in NYC. I’m originally from just outside of Atlanta, GA - Acworth/Kennesaw. Quick backstory on me, I started my career in finance as a trader at Goldman Sachs. I’ve since worked in corporate retail, boutique PR, and editorial until I finally decided to start my own business 4-5 years ago. I’m new to REI, as the “traditional” means towards retirement savings is where I got my experience so became a bit myopic. It’s funny too because my mother is a real estate exec in Atlanta and I grew up camped out in model homes when she was as young realtor. Now, I’m completely interested in marrying real estate with my overall asset mix. My main goal is two-pronged: 1) I’d like to develop a passive income strategy that’s “light touch” to diversify my retirement savings and income (and to have someone else increase my net worth); and 2) passive income so that I can also diversify my current earnings and not rely as heavily on the peaks and troughs of my photography business. If I can really focus and sink my teeth in this world, heck maybe I can create cash flowing opportunities to find other business ideas I have as well. For instance, I’d like to open gun range. We’ll see. I think my main focus is to gradually add1-2 SFH’s a year until retirement (I’m 32). I’m not looking to be greedy, just to make smart and prudent decisions with my investment capital. I look forward to getting to know a lot of you. Hopefully I can become a resource at some point and contribute, as well as gain advice and knowledge as I climb the learning curve. Thanks for having me!