Where to start in my investing career?

Question

Hello everybody, my question today is do I have to start in residential real estate investing before I can invest in commercial apartments? I have been studying deals consistently and really like the idea of getting an apartment complex. Can I start my career in apartment complexes or do I have to work my way into them first? Please let me know how to venture upon this path thanks!

Conner Olsen · Answer

Hey @Richard Caldwell, most people would recommend you start residential to learn the ropes and then go commercial. You definitely don't need to follow that route! I would recommend getting around as many commercial investors as possible, go to meetups, take people out to coffee, etc. When you're getting started it's important to learn as much as possible and become an expert!

David M Trapani · Answer

No hard and fast rules on where to start. Agree with Conner. You may start with residential or commercial. Also, meeting with other successful investors or groups is a great idea. Not just for knowledge & learning, but also potential source of deals, seller carry back opportunities, etc. In my case started with one condo, added three more. 1031 condos into duplexes. When rent control came, 1031 into Airbnb’s and OOS NNN commercial QSR’s. Always keeping eyes & ears open. Political winds, regulations, trends, growing areas friendly to investors, etc. Always looking to improve the portfolio.