Hi Everyone from Houston, TX

[Jonathan Lee]

Hey BP Members,

Just wanted to use my first post to introduce myself to everyone here on this forum. Looks like a great place to network and learn a ton about real estate investing! I'm extremely new and have only started looking into this business, but I am eager to learn.

I had a question for you guys though. How many of you here are full time real estate investors and how many of you do this on the side? I began working as an employee recently after graduating college, and my goal in life is to be financially independent from any company. I realize this goal may seem too ambitious for my stage in life right now, but the idea of not depending on a paycheck from some corporation really takes my interest.

Can any of you guys share your story, if you have one, of how you were able to leave your day job to become a full time real estate investor? I am curious how realistic this goal is and get a feel of what it takes to step up and follow through with your goals. Were you able to get enough cash flow from your real estate business to replace your job or did you have to take a paycut when walking away from your job? Did working full time in real estate eventually allow you to replace that cash flow? How much happier are you being in control of your own destiny, working for yourself etc? Do you consider yourself lucky or do you think anyone with a good work ethic and sound reasoning is able to do what you have accomplished?

I apologize for the long post, but I'd love to get some feedback from you guys. Thanks!