Starting out as a Realtor and Investor in NWA

[John Dawson]

Hey everyone,

I've been a struggling Realtor for two years here in the Bentonville area and I've actually had to take up driving for Uber to pay the bills.  I'm curious what investing looks like in Arkansas and if there are any local investment Realtors that can shed light on the situation around here.

I live at home so my expenses are quite low while I figure this out, which is good.  I really don't know what I'm doing either as an agent or an investor so any advice would be appreciated.

I look forward to providing value back as I learn and am glad to be a part of this community!

John Dawson

[Jeff Schemmel]

@John Dawson the best thing I can recommend is 1.) find a mentor you get a long with who is willing to show you the ropes and just be willing to grind like your life depends on it.  1-3 years of that will set you straight, so long as you're putting your clients first, and doing a good job.  Credibility is very important as an agent/investor who attempts to cater to those clients, I highly recommend using your knowledge to get yourself a property once you build yourself back up financially.  I wouldn't have a chance in the market I'm in without putting in that work to become credible.  Sharing stories/experiences/tips from my work is absolutely what reinforces me as an asset to the team of any investor I work with.  

I would set appointments with local investor/agents who are tapping the market you want to serve (just look at closed multi-family listings and see who sold them), and keep doing that until you find a person who stands to mutually benefit from coaching/mentoring you and expect to pay them a split to work alongside them until you're prepared enough to go on your own.  Use your license and experience to get yourself a duplex and rent the other side to try and keep your cost of living as low as possible.  These are just tips and examples to get you thinking in the direction I took and maybe you'll see a path.  Good luck!