All Forum Posts by: Jimmy Watson

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I've read several books now on Real Estate Investing, including the "BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginner's Guide" (which, is a great read by the way).  Now that I've got a little knowledge under my belt, I'm almost ready to take that first step and start looking at properties.  I'm currently in the military and forward-deployed on a ship, so I won't be back for a couple more months... and in the meantime I'm trying to get as much done on the internet as I possibly can.  My goal is to buy a 2-8 unit apartment complex before March 2016, hold onto to it, have a property manager manage the properties (since I don't have the time due to my busy work schedule), and collect the rent. 

Here is why I am posting today, and this is my dilemma.  I live in Camp Pendleton, California... Right outside of Oceanside (San Diego area).  Obviously, being in the military I don't make that much money- which brings me to my first problem... Southern California is EXTREMELY expensive, as many of you I'm sure are well aware.  Now I've been reading a few forums and posts on Bigger Pockets, saying that you don't need to put money down in order to get into real estate- but isn't this extremely risky? 

Also, since I won't be living in California for more than a few more years- is it wise for me to buy here?  Do you guys think it would be more in my interest to look at booming markets that are more affordable, like Raleigh NC?  I was also thinking about Florida because I realistically see myself going to school there if I decide to get out. 

Anyways, I know this is all a lot of a questions and I'm sorry if it seems like I'm bouncing all over the place.  Bottom line is I really want to get into the real estate business, and eventually accumulate several properties that I buy, hold, and rent out for the long-term... but am having trouble on deciding where to start buying since I don't have more than 10,000$ and I'm constantly gone due to the nature of my job. 

Thank you all

Thanks for the response!  I am required to live on base right now until I pick up another rank (hopefully next year) and then I am allocated BAH to cover rent.  Right now, I only have my base pay and it's too risky in SoCal (at least I think so) because of how much even a tiny house costs out here!  

I'll definitely check out those E-Books and read up on it.  That's exactly what I would like to do in the future, just not sure if SoCal is the place to start or not.

Hey everyone!  My name's Jimmy, and I'm a Marine EOD Tech stationed at Camp Pendleton, California.  I'm originally from Michigan, but luckily moved somewhere a bit warmer to avoid the miserable winters that plague the midwest.  

I'm here on Bigger Pockets because I've got about 10K saved up, and no idea what to do with it.  I know that's not much, but I'm hoping it's enough to get my foot in the door.  I've thought about real estate for a number of years, but frankly have no idea of where to start.  I have zero real estate experience.  

My Goals:

To purchase a small rental property (to start) and rent it out to gain a little bit of extra income.  I've been looking at apartments in Niceville, Florida because I lived there for a while and absolutely loved the area.    I obviously would have to hire a middle-man to handle all of the little things, seeing as I live in California.  I would also fly to Florida around Christmas time to check out the property I'm interested in.  

Eventually, if my first property does very well, I would love to purchase more property and let it grow from there.  I just need a little push in the right direction!  

Thanks everybody,

-Jimmy Watson