Mechanical Engineering Student

[Connie-Rose Deane]

Hello everybody, I would like to introduce myself as I have just began my REI education and understanding. I am a 22 year old mechanical engineering student who has one year left of school before I graduate. This summer I will have an internship with an engineering company, I have been applying to a couple positions and have been waiting to hear back from them. If I don't hear back, I will go back to the company I worked for last summer.

In the meantime, I will be spending my time studying and learning about REI so when I graduate and have a salary, I can find and invest in my first property. I would like to learn some trades as well, carpentry as the first one I would like to tackle. I am always open to the advice of anyone who has experience in REI and/or engineering as well.

Bigger Pockets is a great community that will help me get these ideas into fruition, so I have downloaded the UBG already and after exams are done, I have David Greene’s new book on my list and Tim Ferriss’s book as well. I have began to divulge into BiggerPockets podcast and have been enjoying this new learning experience! Like I said, I just wanted to introduce myself and I’m very open to any advice you’re willing to give. Thank you!

[Mitch Messer]

Hi @Connie-Rose Deane and welcome to BiggerPockets!

As an active real estate investor and (former) electrical engineer, I applaud and also relate to your decision to begin your REI education. I have two recommendations:

1. Resist the DIY Urge - We engineers are a handy, capable bunch, and that's fine! However, don't fall into the trap of doing things yourself that can best be done by others. Yes, you can be a successful investor. Certainly, you can learn a trade, like carpentry. Trying to do both will introduce unnecessary strain and distraction into your life. Just don't. Professionals master one major skill at a time. Be an investor.
2. For Education, Think Big and Broad - If you're like me, and in this case I hope you aren't, you received no formal business training in engineering school. If so, you should consider grounding yourself in the full spectrum of real business life: sales, negotiation, finance, communication, marketing, etc.

I do have some specific recommendations on business books that I found helpful, so connect with me here on BP if you're interested.

Good luck!