All Forum Posts by: Jayden Walsh

@Jayden Walsh I'm 24 and just got into REI myself (closed on a 4-unit this month) so I think I can help you out! My only regret is that I did not have this mindset earlier around 22 or 23 when I was getting out of school. Using these next 4 years to build up knowledge, savings, and connections will be extremely important for you once graduation comes.

I would take this time to set yourself up for success when college is over. Read as much as you can, stay involved in the forums, go to your local meet ups, get internships, save up money and eventually get that W2 job where you can then house hack and work your way up.

Good luck and I hope to see some great progress from you down the road!

Welcome to BP! I am amazed at the amount of people under the age of thirty that have an interest in REI. When I was your age I was more concerned with getting good grades so I could get a good paying job. So congratulations on your interest at such a young age.

I will, however, side with @John Woodrich.  Focus on school right now so you can get a W2 job.  The only reason I suggest that is because it's much more difficult to obtain any traditional financing without any income.  With that being said, you can always find something in the field of RE so that you can gain experience.

If I were to start over, I would have saved all my money when I was in the military instead of blowing it all.  Back then there was no internet and definitely nothing like BP.  So the only way to learn was to do it and I didn't.  I'm over 40 now and just now getting started so no matter what you decide to do, you're already ahead of the game.

Again, welcome and best of luck!

Welcome to BP man! If I had to start over (and I am still fairly young), I would of house hacked a lot sooner. I rented for four years in/after college and could have saved a decent chunk of $$ by buying a house and renting it out instead of living in an apartment. Although I am glad I have the experience of renting so I know the ups and downs and the things tenants look for. Good luck!

I will probably be the only one to recommend this but I would first and foremost focus on school and enjoying your time on campus.  That is a period of your life you can experience or you can pass it up by keeping too busy and being too serious.  Since you are a freshman I take it you are a ways from taking many of the business courses so putting your time into learning about real estate could be a good break from the general courses.  I transferred into the CSOM so I was able to hit the ground running.  It is a good school and there are many good instructors in the business school.  If you have time it may make sense to take some of the entrepreneurial courses.

A background in finance or accounting will help down the road in real estate.  If you do well in that school you will get a decent job when you leave and that is really what you will need to get started.  Your purchasing power is limited if you don't have any cash and if you cannot get financed.

If you haven't read it yet I would recommend reading Rich Dad, Poor Dad and follow the new investors on this site for ideas.