18 year old that is new to real estate.

[Gavin Gainey]

Hey guys, my name is Gavin. I just turned 18 a few months ago and while I have a 9-5 job, this is not something I want to have to do the rest of my life. I’ve been reading books and dabbling in the stock market and things of that nature. Real estate is the main investment that has caught my eye right now. However, I am experiencing decision paralysis. I am searching for help or advice on getting started and building this thing from the ground up. (Including building a team because I know all of it at some point is going to be too much for just me to handle). I do believe that I am going to have to do some saving up as a form of cushion before I start this process. But if there is a way to start out slowly with a smaller amount of funds, I’m all ears. I’m also open to any advice or help that may benefit someone like me who’s totally new to real estate or better yet new to investing and creating a portfolio all together. (Mainly focused on real estate though for right now).

[John Mason]

Gavin welcome to Bigger Pockets!! Good to see someone starting at such an young age.

Try to see if you can get hold of a copy of The Millionnaire Real Estate Investor By Papasan and Keller.

Also look at Real estate meetups in your area and Facebook Groups

These help a lot and once you build  your network  I am sure more doors will  open to you

[Andy Nathan]

Hey Gavin, it's awesome that you're thinking about real estate at such a young age! Starting slow is a smart approach, and you can consider house hacking or investing in REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) to get your feet wet with less capital upfront. Building a strong team—like a trusted realtor, lender, and eventually property manager—will definitely help as you scale. Saving up for a cushion is key, but remember, you can also explore low-down-payment loans like FHA to get started sooner. Keep learning and networking, and you'll build momentum!

[Nathan Gesner]

Quote from @Gavin Gainey:

Wise investors are slow and methodical. Increase earnings, reduce expenses, save up, and buy one property. Learn how to manage it well. Rinse and repeat. Stay on that path and you will be financially free (if you choose) within 10 - 15 years. You'll be one of the wealthiest people you know by the time you are 40.

As you gain experience, you may discover you hate dealing with tenants and this is the wrong vehicle for you to build wealth. Maybe you'll discover skills and desire to be the next Grant Cardone. But you won't know until you take that first step.

To use a basketball analogy, you're dreaming about playing for the NBA when you haven't even tried to play a pickup game at the Y. Buy a cheap pair of decent basketball shoes and a ball. Learn the fundamentals of dribbling, shooting, passing, etc. Make sure you understand the rules! Practice regularly so your muscles are strong and fast. Find people that are experienced and talented and ask for advice. See if they'll let you play with them. Can't find anyone? Join pickup games at the local gym. Do you enjoy the game? Do you have talent? Is it too much work and detracting from more important things? As you gain experience, you'll determine where your talent lies and how to proceed. You may discover you hate basketball. Maybe the other guys will like your hand-knit sweatband, and you'll create a business around that and make millions.

The point is, you need to focus on getting started right now. The rest will shake out as you grow. 

[Wale Lawal]

@Gavin Gainey

Welcome to BP!

Starting real estate investing involves choosing a suitable strategy, starting with house hacking, real estate wholesaling, and partnering with experienced investors. Building a strong financial foundation involves aiming for a credit score of 700+, educating yourself, building relationships with agents, lenders, and property managers, and analyzing properties with positive cash flow. Taking action by saving, working on credit, and connecting with local investors is crucial for success.

Good luck!