All Forum Posts by: Justin Koopmans

@Russell Brazil thanks for the feedback! It definitely helps give perspective. I do think that I would enjoy being an agent, I've been in a different form of sales for the last four years and I feel that I'm good at it. But here's my thoughts on what I would do if I were an agent, let me know if you'd recommend it or not:

For the first year or so I would hit it hard, focusing solely on being an agent in order to maximize productivity, while hopefully finding a deal or two in the meantime. 

After that, I would try to "phase out" of being an agent in order to focus on investments and other interests that I have. 

Smart? 

Is a year long enough to get going/build some capital for down payments? Is a year long enough to learn enough that it would be beneficial? Or would I just be wasting my time if I don't plan to be in it longer than that first year?? 

@Thomas Franklin thanks so much for the info! That will definitely be helpful as I move forward! 

Anthony! I'm not from that area but I just wanted to welcome you to BP! I'm new too and just want to help others feel welcome like other have done for me :) if I hear of anything in that area I will definitely let you know. You may want to try posting your question about recommendations in one of the Local Real Estate Forums (first option under General Info) near where you are, that might get some good feedback. Good luck on your journey!

Danny! Welcome to the club! I'm new too and like you am excited to learn. Good luck on your journey! We'll stay in touch. 

Hello! My name is Justin, and just wanted to introduce myself!

I'm a graduating college student (this week! WHOA!) and I love all things film, literature, and real estate :).. I haven't done my first deal yet, but my dad is a veteran investor and has taught me everything he knows (or so he says). My plan is to get a small Multi-Family Residence this year to begin easing into buy and hold investing and my five year goal is to have enough units to have, at least, $5,000 of rental income every month, so that I can spend as much time I want focusing on my family and my dreams!

Since I'm graduating, I'm about to dive into the cruel, hard world and trying to decide what to do with my life haha (advice anyone? haha), including whether or not I should work as a realtor (see my other BP Post here). And all in all I'm super excited to be a part of BP and I'd love to help any of you in any way I can!

So, I don't want to be "that guy," i.e. the newbie who asks, like every other newbie, whether or not I should get my real estate license. I've read through TONS of forums and articles on BiggerPockets and elsewhere that address that question, and so I think I understand the pros and cons of simply holding a license to help in facilitating your own deals. But my question is a bit different from anything that I've been able to find:

What would actually WORKING as a RE Agent teach me that would help me in starting out in my buy and hold investing business?

I honestly don't want to work as an agent for my career over the long haul. I'm just trying to decide if investing a year's worth of time or so in actually doing the work, being in the thick and thin of the RE world (while also providing an income), would be worth the knowledge gained for my investing future...???

I'd love to hear from those in this forum that are both agents and buy and hold investors, but obviously, I'd love insight from anyone and everyone willing to comment! Thanks!