The First Step: My Journey into Real Estate Investing

Hi, I'm Cheryl. A newcomer to the world of real estate/investing. Currently, I live in a city undergoing a surge of new development, particularly in certain areas where renovation is the name of the game. Over the past few years, I've witnessed certain urban areas go from blighted, relics of the industrial era to modern makeovers turned mixed-used spaces, renovated single and multi-family homes.

I recall watching in amazement -- from foundation beam to grand opening day -- the development of a ten story apartment building, which took place a block away from my residence. Since moving from the county into the city, I had never seen development on that scale. Aside from the occasional racket, it was not only fascinating to watch but inspiring to a budding entrepreneur such as myself.

Funny. I'm a country girl at heart who enjoys her quiet and sprawling green acres. Yet, it was something about the sight and sounds of urban growth & expansion that quickly translated from mere racket to music to my ears. In other words, the spark was lit. I had my fill as a spectator. It was time to get into the game.

During this time I worked days and attended night classes. Although accomplished in academics (honors) and landing a job in my profession, deep down it just wasn't enough. I knew it was more to life, and whatever "it" was, it continued to nag at me until I paid attention. I began following related news and learning the who's who concerning citywide development, zoning projects, business ventures, and general talk about town via local blogs, forums, town hall or city council meetings. Before long I was fired up through the power of knowledge!

At the core, laid a burning desire to become an active part of the community, while taking my small business to the next level. Granted, this wasn't my first attempt toward realizing success outside a traditional job. During the economic downturn of 2008, I partnered with a small team of artists, writers, and an aspiring publisher who sought to build a successful lifestyle magazine. At the time, I was a buzzing freelance writer (armed with nothing but talent) pitching ideas to local editors. The good news: My periodicals got published in the city's news weekly, while gaining invaluable experience from both the former and the latter. The bad news: the startup eventually tanked.

Fast forward eight years -- a few odd jobs, earning a trade certificate, and a degree later -- the nagging persists. So, I figured why not start a limited liability company. Admittedly, I had no formalized ideas (i.e., business plan). What was I thinking, right? Well, a myriad of things -- chiefly, that I had to take action and START somewhere. Formally speaking, starting an L.L.C was as good of a place to start as any.

I became a legal business owner. Congratulations! Now what? I had the "vehicle", now I mulled over which "path" to blaze. This was extremely important to me. I didn't want to pick just anything. As you now know, I've entertained everything from starting a magazine to owning car washes. Enter real estate investing (REI). At this stage in my life, REI embodies most if not all of the qualities I seek in a business practice: low startup cost, minimal overhead, practical, creative, the ability to help others, and by all means rewarding.

Ultimately, my decision to become a real estate investor is based on three things: an epiphany, drive, and common sense. Being a small fry, heck let's be honest -- a sprout, in the business world is very intimidating. There are days I pear out my window toward the skyline feeling tenacious, others I'm simply daunted. However, unless I throw the dice, I'll never realize the level of personal growth and success I aim for in life.

Currently, I've engulfed myself with books, blogs, TED Talks, podcasts, forums and anything else I can get my hands on concerning REI and entrepreneurial success. At the risk of sounding cliché, reading Rich Dad, Poor Dad was a indeed life changing. It exposed that nagging feeling in my gut, but couldn't put my finger on. The next book I cracked open is Brandon Turner's The Book on Rental Property Investing. It's a good starter book, filled with invaluable information for newbies like myself. Hence, finding my way here to BiggerPockets. All in all, I've learned the power of intention and that today's investment is tomorrow's reward. No longer am I vulnerable in terms of my future. I am empowered with the mentality and skills to create opportunities and financial freedom for myself and family.