Entry level RE job

Im looking for a job that will help me learn about the RE business and keep up with RE markets while I invest part-time. Ive thought about becoming a realtor but I heard It can affect my investing (being regulated by the board of realtors). My present job has nothing to do with real estate.

Any ideas? Maybe an office assistant? Loan officer? Any help is appreciated. Thanks

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 04:48AM

Tim W.

Real Estate Investor · Indiana, Indiana

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Icon_minipost Mar 04 '08, 12:08 PM

What kind of investing do you want to do? This makes a huge difference.

I was an estimator and insurance adjuster. This is a great background for being a landlord.

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 04:48AM

Ryan Murakami

Real Estate Investor · Las Vegas, Nevada

24 posts
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Icon_minipost Mar 04 '08, 11:52 PM

well, Im starting out in wholesale. I eventually want to do rehabs and rent them out or sell them, maybe even become a hard money lender. My long-term goal is to own properties all over the world.

I guess im looking for some kind of job that lets me look at deals regularly, and interact with other investors regularly. Right now Im at a job that doesnt even have anything to do with real estate (or my degree!!!). But Im ready to do what I have to do... to learn and work at the same time.

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 04:48AM

John M.

Real Estate Investor · Rancho Cucamonga, California

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Icon_minipost Mar 05 '08, 12:39 AM

Originally posted by "TimWieneke"

What kind of investing do you want to do? This makes a huge difference.

I was an estimator and insurance adjuster. This is a great background for being a landlord.

What requirements do you need for these type of jobs? Are these entry-level?

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 04:49AM

Ryan Steele

Real Estate Investor · Chicago, Illinois

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Icon_minipost Mar 05 '08, 09:54 AM

My suggestion would be to look into being a loan officer. The key here is to find a broker that will let you really work with some of the lenders to find packages that fit the needs of investors. That way you would be the go to guy for all investors. This would get deals coming across your desk and you could see the numbers on them. Talk to the investors that are really DOING it.

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 04:49AM

Tim W.

Real Estate Investor · Indiana, Indiana

4333 posts
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Icon_minipost Mar 05 '08, 10:46 AM

Makessense,
You can get into an entry level adjusting job if you have a college degree. Check Farmers. They're probably the hardest company to work for, however the training program is intense and very informative and it's fairly common knowledge in the industry that if you can last a year at Farmers - then you've got what it takes to make it in that career path.

I knew more than one adjuster who was also a part time realtor or loan officer.

Tim

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 04:49AM

Ryan Murakami

Real Estate Investor · Las Vegas, Nevada

24 posts
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Icon_minipost Mar 05 '08, 09:38 PM

thanks guys,

I will start looking in to those jobs. Do adjusters get salary or commissions only? I know most loan officers are only on commission. I appreciate the help.

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 04:49AM

Tim W.

Real Estate Investor · Indiana, Indiana

4333 posts
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Icon_minipost Mar 06 '08, 12:25 AM

Adjusters are on salary. Plus you can work up to 100% out of your home depending on the job, plus you are given a vehicle, laptop, cell phone, fax line...and you are paid to drive around neighborhoods looking at distressed and sometimes vacant, foreclosed property all day. Hmmmmmmmm.... sounds like someone's paying you to be a real estate investor doesn't it? :wink: Why do you think I did it? Mama didn't raise no fool.

Tim

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 04:49AM

Ryan Murakami

Real Estate Investor · Las Vegas, Nevada

24 posts
1 Award

Icon_minipost Mar 06 '08, 12:34 AM

Tim,

Wow, that sounds awesome! How long did you do that for? Im going to start looking for more info on that type of job. Its not that I dont like being a bellman (it really is a pretty good job), Im just ready to actually use my brain at work.. Thanks again, youve been very helpful..

Ryan

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 04:49AM

John M.

Real Estate Investor · Rancho Cucamonga, California

78 posts
8 Influence
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Icon_minipost Mar 06 '08, 03:44 AM

Originally posted by "TimWieneke"

Adjusters are on salary. Plus you can work up to 100% out of your home depending on the job, plus you are given a vehicle, laptop, cell phone, fax line...and you are paid to drive around neighborhoods looking at distressed and sometimes vacant, foreclosed property all day. Hmmmmmmmm.... sounds like someone's paying you to be a real estate investor doesn't it? :wink: Why do you think I did it? Mama didn't raise no fool.

Tim

Thanks tim! I'm seriously looking into it now. If I were applying for a trainee position and I'm currently an english teacher, what are some suggestions for relating the two jobs during an interview?

great thread :)

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 04:49AM

Tim W.

Real Estate Investor · Indiana, Indiana

4333 posts
23859 Influence
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Icon_minipost Mar 06 '08, 03:54 AM

Wild. I taught english for a little while before I became an adjuster. Your best asset is that you are going to be able to read and interpret an insurance policy and write settlement letters better than the average person. 50% of the job is effective reading and writing.

On the flip side - be ready for some serious hours. Adjusting has required me to do up to 60 hour weeks. However, you get paid overtime....

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 04:49AM