BiggerPockets

For all the investors in here, how long ago did you start investing in real estate? Also, was it your intended course to go into real estate or was it an accident?

Oh yea, I forgot to tell how myself. I've been learning all I can about real estate for the past year or two, now I decided to take action.

I just got my first forclosure under contract, and plan on getting one or two more REOs under contract before the year's end. I've found two local experienced investors who are willing to work with me and partner with on deals, and I'm glad I have them because I'm learning a lot along the way. Plus, I could never work at McDonald's.

I am currently a student at the University of Cincinnati, originally from NY. I've known a few successful people personally in Real Estate, and I'd decided I'd invest in a more affordable market first before moving on to anything else.

Local REIA

I got in by accident nearly 40 years ago. It was the best thing I could've done. Right place at the right time and retired very young. I still have the unbridled passion for it.

AB- you probably learned more with your first rehab and spent less than you would've from attending a lot of seminars!! Keep up the acquisitions.

Rich, I did learn more then I thought it was possible in a year ! LOL.. It was like getting a new degree... and getting paid for at the end.

Come on ! Share with us everyone.

I started by accident. I would have never categorized myself as "the type".

-Bought our first house with 3% down 12 years ago
-socked some money away and bought our next house 5 years later. Kept the first house, refi-ed it, and then rented it out to college students
-socked more money away and 4 years later bought our next house. Kept the last two houses and rented them
-realized about this time that we were getting the hand of this thing...
-1.5 years ago bought a 4-unit from a friend who was moving out of town and so got a discount
-this summer sold first two rentals and bought a large 12-unit one block from the local state university. Got our first taste of a management company. Finally enjoying the relaxation of having somebody else do the work.
-Now I have the bug really bad. I'm actively looking for 2 new apartment buildings to partner on with my long-time best friend. He's got deep pockets but I have the experience. His willingness to partner means I can finance my half without any money down.

Merrily we roll along!!! I'm well on my way to reaching my long-term goals by it's definitely not a fast process. Still I will be retiring from my day-job about the same time as my parents and that's quite an accomplishment.

abhyler- the longer version and answer to your question is now on Meet the Investor.

He is the first person under meet the investor.