All Forum Posts by: Michael C.

I'm also a similar age (18) and looking to start investing. Thank you for the write up Stephen, it is very helpful!

Great timining with that post, I literally just finished that book! I think it answered a ton of my questions and definitely served as a solid introduction to REI. Now I'm turning my attention to books specifically geared towards my niches and strategies. Do you happen to have any recommendations for books on buying and holding or wholesaling? If not then no worries, those aren't set in stone and I would still love to learn more about any aspect of REI. Thanks for your reply!

Thanks for the reply I'll definitely keep what you said in my mind. The podcasts have been great so far, I've just been going from episode onwards but I'll probably jump around. I'm intrigued by the REI meet ups, I've never been to anything like it so I'm a bit nervous to tell you the truth. I think a lot of this business is stepping out of comfort zones so I will definitely look into attending some local ones!

@DanCall 

Wow this site is great, I didn't think I would come across someone living so close so soon! Thanks alot for your reply and advice, I fully plan on asking tons of questions whenever I get the chance. I'm trying to start thinking and acting at the same time rather than just thinking. I have a few questions for you if you don't mind answering. Reading these forums I've seen that sometimes you can traverse a bad locations by being creative with your investing. My brother (lives in Alabama) has told me to not invest much time into this area (Northern Va) as it is more expensive and harder to get going  then say investing in Alabama. Since you are from around here I feel you offer a great perspective on this, do you see this area as good for investing in say rental properties or should I stay away from diving too deep and instead focus elsewhere? My other question is how can someone my age be more involved in the real estate process? I'm realizing there's alot that goes into even the smallest deals from marketing, to negotiating, etc. How do I train myself in these skills when Im unable to fully commit to a deal of my own?

Hello all,

My name is Michael, I'm 18 years old and currently living in Warrenton VA. My brother recently got his first job out of college working in Alabama as a GIS technician (or something like that.) My family and I were ecstatic that he landed his first job and that he was going to (hopefully) have a secure life ahead. That mentality changed when my phone started buzzing with texts from him talking about this foreign idea of investing in real estate. For the past year I've been trying to conjure up businesses, each time my idea is too big to create (making social media apps for example.) Suddenly what my brother was telling me started to make sense and I felt he was the one who landed our first shot at doing something successful. Apparently he had stumbled upon this site and instantly he was hooked. He read countless books on the subject (ranging from Rich dad, to books published by Bigger Pockets) and then began explaining all he had learned to me, suddenly I was hooked as well. This constant hunger for wanting something big from life and not settling for something little is exactly why real estate drew me in so instinctively. I felt no matter the path I took in this labyrinth, I would always find the exit and thus my pathway to financial success. I've been lurking on these forums for a few weeks now, just trying to pick up on any tips and knowledge I can absorb before we embark on this endeavor. I am a successful college student (so far :D ) but I want more from life. I don't want to look forward to a chain being wrapped around my neck, tugging at me to get up at 9 a.m and leave at 5 p.m. I value the importance of a job, and I plan on holding one, I just feel I can free myself financially through other paths such as Real Estate. At the moment I am trying my best to catch up to my older brother in that I am reading/listening to books any chance I get so that when I make the dive into this business so that I slice through with ease rather than belly flop on the surface. We are looking at wholesaling properties as well as rentals at the moment, but I want to learn about all aspects of Real Estate. I consider myself to be a very hardworking person and someone who would be more than willing to exchange my hard work and thinking towards bettering your position so long as I obtain experience and knowledge in the process. I look forward to meeting all of you!