Real Estate Investing Rookie Looking to Get Involved

[Eli Ziegler]

Hi Bigger Pockets community! My name is Eli and I'm a recent college graduate with a business degree from Concordia University, Nebraska. I'm looking to get involved in the world of real estate investing. I've listened to the Bigger Pockets podcasts, and I've been reading books to try to get up to speed and soak up as much information as I can about the business.

I have long term goals of owning rental properties in different cities across the country, as well as owning some Airbnb vacation properties. Short term, I'm looking to buy a multi-family property to house hack in the next year. However, right now I have no financial means to do so. 

I am looking for something I can do to not only make money, but to learn as much as I can. I'm applying for full-time jobs, but would be much more interested in doing something directly with real estate investing that I can use as tools to be successful. I know that a lot of experienced real estate investors are short on time, and that's something that I have. 

Also, if anybody wants to meet for lunch or coffee I would love to meet up. I live in the Littleton area, south of Denver. I don't have a whole lot of experience, but I have time and a drive to learn and work hard. I look forward to connecting with you guys! Thanks.

Eli

[Chris Lopez]

@Eli Ziegler welcome to BP!

I can't preach enough to people the importance of cutting your expenses. Every dollar saved (plus the financial habits it instills) goes a long way. 

As a side rant, in my previous, non-real estate related business I'd have people ask me for my help or become a mentee of mine. We would get into the details and I would give advice (often on spending money on advertising or marketing) and then would "complain" about not having the money. More often than not, they would be telling me this with a $4 Starbucks drink in one hand, showing up in a new car, and talking about their favorite HBO show. 

uhhhhh. 

Rant over. Cut your expenses! Not only will it allow you to save for a down payment, but investors notice these things (whether they say it or not) when you meet.

Other tip, be proactive when seeking people out. They will not come to you seeking to delegate things. Identify your strengths and what you can bring to the table. Then bring it before asking anything. Results and hustle speak way more than words. I broke into some solid business circles while in college with this attitude.