Should I Go To College or Invest In Real Estate?

Should I Go To College or Invest in Real Estate

Why you should go to school

• Studies show people with bachelors degrees make more money[Insert statistics]. From Personal experience, during the 2008 recession I lost my job, the company was downsizing and the first people they let go of were those without degrees. I was one of them, you better believe I used the money I saved up to return to school and get degree. Even though I was making really good money for a 21 year old without a degree at the time, try about $48,000.

Benefits: 

1. Life long friends - It is true you make lifetime connections.

• Challenge & Reward - It is the best feeling to walk across the stage, knowing you accomplished what you set out to do, by yourself (because other people aren't taking the tests for you)
• More pay - use the extra money, 401k & IRA to invest in real estate
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Why you should not go to school

You can focus on building your network through meetups and self-study. Which I respect and am a huge fan of "Never let your education get in the way of your learning". You can absolutely become a successful real estate investor without a degree. One option is to become a realtor, learn the markets, learn the laws, focus on BPO's (Broker Price Options) to get extra money to use as down payments, the list goes on.

Benefits:

• Real world experience - In my opinion nothing beats learning through action, this work  best for everyone.
• More time for real estate - School does require a heavy amount of time depending on your program and study habits.
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  "I have never let my schooling interfere with my education" -- Mark Twain
  
  

Advice: 

Do it part-time, while investing locally or long distance

From my experience I'd do school part-time while attending meetups, learning real estate and picking up a trade skill that could help with my investing (i.e. HVAC Technician or Electrician from a community college, only 2 years needed). I would use my student loans or part-time job income as down-payments and house hack once a year. You could have well over 16 units by the time you graduate, if you focus on residential multi-family rentals.

Go military, school part-time while investing locally buying during each move

I also went the military route, I stayed in the reserves. However, you can go active duty if you choose. The thrift savings plan (TSP) allows you to borrow up to 100% of your savings. You get to serve your country, make life long connections and get a wealth of resources to learn from. You can choose to go to school part-time and have up to 100% of tuition paid for.

Don't go to school

 You may have an in demand skill you've worked on forever that you can use as freelancer. My little brother was accepted into one of the most prestigious art schools in the nation. He chose not to go because he has been doing CGI since for over 12 years, he is turning 20 this year. I support him because he is a self-starter and I know he can live as a freelancer. 

In conclusion, do what will make you happy in the long run.