New Investor from Sumner, WA

[Josh Palmer]

Hey guys!

I was listening to a podcast the other day where Brandon said, "if you haven't posted an introduction in the forums yet, go do it now." So here I am. My name is Josh Palmer, I'm originally from West Jordan, UT. I currently live in Sumner, WA (technically Edgewood, but really close to Sumner and that's where I want to start investing). I've been here in WA almost 4 years. 

Back in June, I was looking on Audible for a new book to listen to and found Rich Dad, Poor Dad. As cliche as it may sound, this book totally changed my perspective on life. It got me thinking in a whole different way about the future. From there, I started reading all kinds of books on investing trying to find ways to make my money work for me. I initially went the stock market route, and I've enjoyed learning about that, but quickly realized that it takes a lot of money in the stock market to make a lot of money. While talking to a coworker about investing, he told me about Bigger Pockets. I signed up and immediately started listening to podcasts and reading the UBG, forums, and blogs. I've loved everything I've read/listened to thus far. 

I'm an air traffic controller which puts me in a great position to invest in real estate. It's a well paying job and I have a lot of free time on my hands. As an air traffic controller I have to retire at age 56, so I'm hoping to use REI to supplement my retirement income so I don't have to work past 56. I have a wife and two kids. Our little girl is 2 years old and our son was just born last week. I've been a little distracted with having a new baby, but I'm ready to get serious about investing.

I'm most interested in buy and hold investing. I love the house hacking idea to get started since we don't own a primary residence yet. My plan as of now is to find a small multifamily (preferably a triplex) and house hack for the first 2-3 years while we save. I would like to buy one other rental (SFH or multi) here in WA and then we will eventually move back to UT and continue investing there. I'm looking forward to getting more involved on BP and welcome any advice or words of encouragement you may have!

Thanks!