All Forum Posts by: Account Closed

While I have your attention, I did think of one more question if you don't mind, @Russell Brazil. Are agents paid as employees or independent contractors for tax purposes?

@Russell Brazil, thank you for the response! I understand what you mean, and I hope I didn't come off as trying to avoid investing in the business of being a real estate agent. I was more trying to figure out if $1500 is a normal number or if lower amounts are more common in order to be able to plan. $1500/month is not a lot to spend if she makes $3000/month in the long run, but we would need to budget for the immediate impact of that level of investment! Thanks again for the response and the advice.

Thank you so much for the informative and insightful response, @Dawn Brenengen! From my perspective, it does seem like the market is beginning to heat up in this area. Is there a correct way to evaluate whether the market is good or bad? Something like a good number for transactions per month for a given population? Is there a website that tracks these things?

I am not overly worried about how much money she makes early on. My job pays enough for us to live comfortably without her working, but I want her to have something that she'll enjoy doing while I'm at work. If it happens to bring in some extra cash, well, I'd be thrilled lol! 

Awesome, I'll be looking forward to it. And if it sounds good, I'll meet you there!

My fiancee and I have been long distance for the last few years, but we're finally making the plans for her to move to California in August. The major issue we're facing is that we don't know what she will do for work when she gets here. She is currently a Pension Analyst for a pretty big firm in Dallas and that just isn't an option out here in the small town of Lompoc, CA. We've considered having her drive all the way to Santa Barbara or San Luis Obispo, both about an hour away, for the better job opportunities, but I don't feel comfortable with her being on the road that much every day. I don't want her to get in a wreck on the winding back roads...

That said, I recently brought up the idea of her studying for a California Real Estate license over the next few months and taking the test when she gets here so that she can be an agent. To my surprise, she actually seemed pretty enthusiastic about it. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised, she and her sister are pretty active with real estate investing in Dallas. She's also definitely the people person in the relationship, so a more sales-oriented job such as this one would fit her personality in my opinion. My research has left me with a few questions, though...

• First of all, how likely would she be to find a job within a couple of months of arriving assuming she passes the test on her first try in August? 
• Second, I've seen a couple of things here and there about "desk fees" that can be as high as $1500. Is this normal? Do we need a few thousand dollars set aside just to get her foot in the door?
• Last, for now, how likely would a new agent be able to make a livable wage off of the business? 

I thank you all for your time. I truly appreciate any advice or help you can give me.

Hello everyone! My name is Caribbean and I recently discovered BiggerPockets after I learned that the VA loan program allows you to take out more than one loan at a time and started doing more research. I listened to a couple (20) of episodes this week and I am absolutely 100% sold on the principles of REI. I want to build a stream of passive income from rental properties so that I can focus on my passions in life: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Spearfishing, Cooking, and Learning. I currently own my primary residence, a 2 bedroom condo in Lompoc, and I have a live in tenant in the extra bedroom. I plan to move to a lower cost rental unit soon so that I can have this property under a lease before I apply for my next VA loan which I plan to use in the purchase of a multi-family property in the Lompoc-Orcutt-Santa Maria area.

I want to learn more about investing in real estate while, and after, serving in the military--what strategies work, what to avoid, and how to succeed while transitioning from military life to real estate investing. I have a lot of ideas swirling around in my head right now because I am still so early in the learning phase, but I need to find out which ones are sane and which ones are B.S.! If you're a local investor, especially one who has transitioned from military service or has experience with VA loans, I would love to buy you coffee and talk to you about your experiences!

About me personally: I am 25 years old. I got my bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Austin. I am currently working on my master's degree. I am a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I love going freedive spearfishing right here off the central coast. I also dabble in cooking, especially Texas style smoked barbecue. I plan to leave the Air Force at some point between 2-5 years from now after my service commitment ends and I am given the choice of leaving California or leaving the service...I'll choose California. I do want to continue serving in the Guard or Reserves, but I just love this area too much to leave now! After I separate from the Air Force I would like to become even more active in real estate investment, maybe even start a real business...

Now, having said all of that, I would like to thank you for reading and express my pleasure in meeting you. I hope you are having a pleasant day.

Hey Dylan, I am also new and in Santa Barbara County. I live in Lompoc (I'm stationed at Vandenberg AFB). I'd love to hear your experience with the SB REIA!