Newbie from Spokane, Washington

[John Mark Waide]

Hello. My name is John and I'm from Spokane, although I'm currently writing from Germany. I have always been interested in investing, in both stocks and real estate. While I was growing up, I would ask everyone I knew, who I thought was successful, advice on investing. I always seemed to receive negative advice. For example, I wanted to househack in college. However, I was told that I shouldn't buy a property if I wasn't sure where I wanted to live after school. Unfortunately, I listened to them and now the market seems to be a seller's market.

Over time I became focused on other things, such as my education and working. However, my original desire to achieve financial freedom has just became stronger. Over the last year I have tenaciously read everything I could about stocks, which has grown to encompass real estate within the last few months. I have saved up around $40,000 and can't wait to start my life in real estate. 

I do have a couple questions. I'm not sure if this is the right place to do so. If not I will promptly edit/delete this post. I am currently working seasonal, temporary jobs, which makes it impossible for me to receive a loan. I may have an opportunity to attain a commercial pilot's licence at a fraction of the normal cost (It would still cost me everything I've saved) by learning from a friend in Texas. I'm not sure if I should pursue that avenue, which will give me a high earnings potential and therefore allow me to qualify for more loans in the future, or just take the $40k I have and jump into a real estate career. Perhaps by the time I receive my pilot's licence the market will cool off too. I understand that this is more career related and is difficult to answer, one only I will be able to make. But I was curious what people in the industry thought.

Anyway, thank you very much for your time and allowing me to be a part of the community. I love this site and I'm addicted to the biggerpockets videos on youtube. Also, I found you guys from listening to the Millennial Real Estate Investor Podcast. Thanks again!

John Mark Waide

[Charlie Stevenson]

@John Mark Waide Hi John, Welcome to BP and real Estate investing! I’m also from Spokane, and have recently begun investing here. ThIs Is a perfect place to get some feedback on your plans. Happy to connect, talk about your plan, and provide some “friendly fire”. Basically, the answer to your question comes down to what your passions and end goals are. Generally, if real estate investing is a long term strategy for you, then playing the market cycles isn’t necessary. “Don’t wait to buy real estate, BUY real estate and wait!”. Best! Charlie