Just starting out, looking to help

[Steven Gray]

Hello anyone, 

I am just discovered bigger pockets a few weeks ago and I've been hooked.  Josh and Brandon keep saying put yourself out there and don't just be passive on the forums so here it is.  I've been dipping my feet in real estate buy and hold investing but eventually want to use it as my retirement plan.  I've been in the military for 9 years now.  I own two single family homes, my primary residence in Navarre FL and a rental property in Niceville FL.  My original plan was to buy a home every time I move and rent the previous homes out, but I soon realized that wouldn't be enough to live off of long term.  Now I plan to buy 2-3 homes a year until I retire which will put me between 25-30 homes.  My wife said I have to wait until our big church wedding next April until I can start that endeavor.  Because of that I'm reaching out offering help to anyone who would like it because I want to learn as much as possible between now and then.  If anyone has any words of wisdom, I am all ears.  

I may have to wait a year but I am not doing nothing.  I am reading everything I can about personal finance, business psychology, and of course real estate.  I plan on getting my realtors license between now and then, and I am saving as much as possible so when I can pull the trigger I am more than ready.

If anyone who reads this is in the north western Florida area I would love to meet up or just chat on bigger pockets.  Again if I can add value to your investments I would love to help.  After all that's the best way to learn.

Steve

[Marcus Long]

@Steven Gray Welcome and congrats on jumping in here to take action. I am active duty military myself and just wanted to comment on the statement: "My original plan was to buy a home every time I move and rent the previous homes out". I think that many of us in the military that invest in real estate probably had that philosophy at some point in time. However, I'd encourage you to make sure that you do a proper analysis on the properties as a rental before you purchase them to live in if your plan is to eventually rent them out. Depending on where you are stationed and the market there, it can be challenging (not impossible) to find properties that make a good investment. You may find that investing in a different market than where you are actually stationed or living makes more sense sometimes. Best wishes and don't hesitate to let me know if there is any way I can help. 

Cheers, 
Marcus