All Forum Posts by: Brandon Vukelich

Hey Justin, I'd be up for a chat with you.  I'll send you a DM.

Hi Ricky, are you looking for more info on what's involved in the day-to-day life, how to lead gen, how to manage a transaction...all of the above?  There's a ton of content on how to lead gen, that's the main topic out there but there is much, much more to being a real estate agent than that.  I'm happy to connect and help answer any questions or give you further guidance on books, podcasts, websites, etc.

Also, I'm launching a book soon about being a professional and competent real estate agent.  There are many that need guidance beyond lead gen and sales.  Happy to give you a copy when it's ready in a month or so. Send me a DM.

My business partner uses Teena Williams at Goldstein Law in Olympia.  I've also had some recent great service from the people at Tuell & Young in Tacoma.  You'll need to google them.  I don't think BP likes posts with contact info.  Good luck!

Yes, a must-read for just about everyone that ever plans to buy real estate.  It sets the correct mindset regarding your personal home as a liability vs an asset and so on.  My family also owns the CashFlow game and I've made my two teen kids reach Rich Dad, Poor Dad for Teens. I'm telling them they don't need a 401k, they need a fourplex. :)

@Liu Cheng Congrats on holding a few investment properties, sounds like you're already on a decent path to building a portfolio. It's tough to become extremely competent as a PT agent, IMO.  If you intend to only do transactions for yourself, PT is fine but not so great if you intend to serve investors looking to transact millions of dollars. I'm happy to chat further if you send me a DM. Curious, which other language(s) do you speak?  Either way, best wishes on your journey!

Tough to say really without knowing how much you need $$$ each month to support yourself.  Maybe one deal in CA can help support your living lifestyle for 1 week or 3 months.  Are you miserable in your 9-5?  That may also influence your decision. The longer you wait or do it part-time, the longer it will take to ramp it up to a full time career.  You may want to consider jumping all in and join a team that will help get you going on training, processes, etc.  Either way, best to have at least six months reserves to support your monthly nut if you're going to jump in 100%.  Best wishes on your plans!

Congrats Hammad!  You will likely have plenty of choices to consider.  My suggestion is to talk to a few offices.  Don't get hung up on fees.  There is value in a good culture, training, environment, etc., especially as you get started but also beyond.  If you commit to one and don't like it, generally it isn't a huge deal moving firms but if possible, maintain your own 3rd party database so all of your contacts/leads don't stay with the firm.  As time goes on, you will realize that clients decide to work with YOU not the office.  Best wishes on your real estate journey!

It's a little difficult to know how driven you are to succeed in real estate from your limited post.  Unfortunately, many jump in because they think it is easy money.  Although you mention a backup plan, I'll assume you have a passion for real estate and are looking at this as a long-term career/business.  Those that take it serious and operate like a business (and not a part-time hustle) usually don't have a Plan B.  They are all in and understand that it takes time to become a competent & successful agent.  You need to plan to develop your sphere, your area of expertise, knowledge of your local contracts, how to manage the various emotions of many clients, etc.  Having some experience in sales, marketing, business management, negotiations, etc. helps but can be learned over time.  I'd suggest you consider joining a small team that focuses on the area of real estate you'd like to specialize in.  A career as an agent can be very stressful and challenging yet extremely rewarding, not just financially but in freedom (time).

As others mentioned, tune out the noise from those that are not supportive.  Best wishes on your real estate journey!

@Wesley Hood Good comments from Abel above. My 2 cents on your three questions:

1) Yes, join a team.  Ideally a small one where you will get a lot of attention from the lead agent.  At 18 you probably don't have much business, marketing, sales & real estate experience.  It will be worth it to give up huge splits on your commission (probably 50/50) to get the training you will need to be successful and competent.

2) You won't be able to be the agent for everyone.  Pick an area of real estate that interests you and focus HARD on it. That can be waterfront props, condos, multifamily, retail, etc. Pick one and be a superstar in that segment. You can't be an expert in all things real estate to everyone. Develop your own content focused on that type of real estate: website, youtube, social media, etc. Create an email list that will be your ever-growing sphere.

3) Pick a brokerage that will support your goals and area of interest. Don't get hung up on fees, brands, etc. As Abel mentioned, it is very easy to switch as needed.  Just be sure to have your own 3rd party CRM so if you leave, the office doesn't keep your sphere.

Best wishes on your career!

@Christina Greaves already some very great input from the group here. I'll comment to each of your points below:

1) Personally, I focus on the boring, conservative stuff...long term, buy and hold multifamily in landlord-friendly states. All of my LTRs are in the greater Boise area but I watch CO, OK, KS and others. I own a 3-unit STR/MTR in North Tacoma but I don't plan to grow that part of my portfolio. Maybe one STR condo on Oahu where my brother lives and has a real estate office. I believe it is ok to diversify but the more you focus, the more successful you'll be. Thankfully we all don't focus on the same segment of investing! :)

2) I don't focus on zip codes. I watch for properties in specific metro areas, then once I identify a property I'll do a deep dive into the neighborhood (even that particular block) to verify crime, development, etc.

3) AVOID SEATTLE and possibly now Federal Way and Burien for LTRs. They are continuously adding regulations on top of the existing state landlord-tenant laws. Be sure to watch other cities' discussions about their local ordinances being proposed by such groups as Tacoma 4 All. That being said, I know investors still bullish on Seattle, Tacoma, etc. It's all about mitigating your risk. RHA is great for keeping its members updated on long-term rental ordinances but if you intend to invest in STRs you'll need to specifically watch local city council announcements about potential regulations.

4) Resources: A knowledgeable, experienced agent. Local investor/landlord groups such as RHA, REIA, Facebook groups. Websites: Spotcrime, Rentometer, Airdna...are a few examples. Also look at the ipropertymanagement site and click the "research" button at the top right. I don't overthink the analysis. If the numbers work and I like the area/property enough that I would live there myself, then it's usually good enough for me.

Best wishes on your investing journey!