New Old Member Alert!! (South Florida, Broward, Fort Lauderdale)

[Robert Saunders]

Hello everyone! My name is Robert L. Saunders and I am an old new member of BiggerPockets.  I say that because when I went to sign up for BiggerPockets a few months ago, I realized that I had already had been a member since November of 2015!! That seems crazy but it makes sense because I was fresh off of finishing my Master's Degree in Real Estate Development around that time. I was looking for my first job in the Real Estate industry but I was also contemplating if I wanted to jump right into the industry on my own dime and must've come across BiggerPockets in my searches. I obviously didn't recognize the hidden gem that is BiggerPockets at that time because I didn't come back until late last year when I committed to making my first real estate investment. Either way; I am glad to be back. I am very familiar with BP now and I have gained so much practical knowledge from through the BP Podcasts.

Nonetheless, let's get down to the business of introducing myself:

As mentioned, I live down in South Florida (Broward County to be a little more specific). I am originally from NYC but moved down here in January of 2010 to raise my son in a different environment with more opportunities. It was also in 2010 when I decided to get into the real estate industry. At the time, I had a successful retail management career but when I turned 23 I went through a process of what I call metacognition. To put it plainly, I decided to take control of my life journey and change its trajectory. That day (my birthday) I decided to get into Real Estate Development. To do so, I figured that I should get a Master's Degree in Real Estate development. Unfortunately, in this country you must have a Bachelor's Degree before you can get a Master's Degree (the nerve lol). Long-story short, I set a six-year goal to earn both degrees, start my real estate career with an active firm for about three years, and then to go out on my own. Fast-forward to 2015, I had both degrees in hand (a year early) and I was contemplating if I should skip out on working with a company for three years and just go out and start doing what I was academically trained to do. I did decide NOT to skip out on that work experience because I realized that it made more sense to learn on someone else's dime.

I started working for an asset management company as their Real Estate Investment Analyst and it was one of the best decisions I could've made. I was put in a position where I was analyzing potential investments day-in and day-out. It was great because it has seasoned me, in many ways, to make quick "Go/No-Go" decisions, to not get too attached to potential assets, and to understand what criteria investors typically look for. My job ultimately made me a better investor and a better asset manager without actually being either of the two yet.

I did end up walking away from that job, but I truly loved it. I walked away from that position because I was recruited for a similar Analyst position with a brokerage company. The offer and opportunity was just one that I couldn't pass up on.

Either way, I am at the stage where I am fully confident in my ability and willingness to step out and be successful on my own in this industry. I have decided not to just jump out and start developing real estate. I believe for the early stages, it is best for me to start out by acquiring existing assets. As my portfolio and equity base grows, I will then look to move towards the development of "Trophy Assets". That is where I see my career going and I am taking the necessary steps to get there.

About a year ago I became I licensed real estate agent and REALTOR; not really to sell real estate but more so to gain access to the properties on the MLS. I am a currently a candidate for CCIM designation as well. Finally, at the end of last year, I started my own real estate investment firm. Now, I am actively looking to acquire my very first real estate investment. I would like to do a "House-Hack" on a four-plex for my first investment, but I am torn between that and remaining separated from my investment by just buying a single-family residence and renting it out.

If you've made it this far, I appreciate your time in reading my intro. I am here to learn as much as I can from everyone here at BP while also providing some insight through my academic and professional experience. Whether you are in my area or not, let's network!

Help me decide: Four-Plex or Single-Family