Investor · McMinnville, OR · Member since 2016 · 26 posts · 4 votes
Hello,
My name is Jacob Trimble, I currently am active duty in the USAF. I own one single family home in SC which is currently being rented out and am in the process of moving and buying a condo in Hawaii. I am looking to get into real estate a little more and thought as a part time job, something like a home inspector might be a good way to earn some extra cash while also learning more about homes and the real estate market. I'm not sure if this is a unrealistic or even a good idea but I wanted to get some ideas on what people think is a good way to get your foot in the door with regards to learning more about real estate. Side note, this is my second ever post on this website so I'm not sure if I'm in the right spot or doing any of this right so I apologize if this is in the wrong forum! Thanks in advance for the advice/help!
Property Manager · Newport Beach, CA · Member since 2016 · 15 posts · 2 votes
8y
Jacob,
As a general contractor and a property manager I would suggest digging into bigger pockets website & podcast, reading up on property types that interest you and get you excited. Being an inspector takes a good amount of construction knowledge and local code knowledge which can take years to accumulate. I think there are much better ways to spend your time if you want to get more involved in real estate. I would suggest figuring out what type of investor you want to be and then finding out as much as you can about that investment strategy. There is so much info on this site and on the web you will be better off in the long run if you do that.
Specialist · Riverside, CA · Member since 2015 · 6k+ posts · 3k+ votes
8y
It depends on what you want to do in RE, being an inspector won't get you much a typical inspection is about $300 depending on where you live, but many investors don't use them so you will mostly be looking at homes for retail buyers. You also won't get that much information on pricing of repairs and how to conduct them because your job would be to identify problems and then leave and let the buyer and seller figure out how to fix them.
Property Manager · Newport Beach, CA · Member since 2016 · 15 posts · 2 votes
8y
Jacob,
As a general contractor and a property manager I would suggest digging into bigger pockets website & podcast, reading up on property types that interest you and get you excited. Being an inspector takes a good amount of construction knowledge and local code knowledge which can take years to accumulate. I think there are much better ways to spend your time if you want to get more involved in real estate. I would suggest figuring out what type of investor you want to be and then finding out as much as you can about that investment strategy. There is so much info on this site and on the web you will be better off in the long run if you do that.
Dallas, TX · Member since 2018 · 8 posts · 3 votes
8y
I had that same thought. My logic was that by becoming a real estate inspector, it would help me to identify potential problem areas that I would miss when I am viewing properties by not being trained to see to spot them.
Real Estate Professional · West Palm Beach, FL · Member since 2012 · 23k+ posts · 13k+ votes
8y
The inspection/repair side is a Very small part of real estate investing. If you have the personality/desire for it, getting your license and working in the business will be the best way to gain market knowledge, network, find lenders, title co.s, etc.
Rental Property Investor · Oreland, PA · Member since 2017 · 51 posts · 32 votes
8y
I've considered taking the courses as well. I don't have any intention of working in the field, just wanted to get some additional training. Will be following this thread to hear some opinions.
Real Estate Agent · Wasilla · Member since 2023 · 6 posts · 3 votes
3y
I was a property inspector on the gulf coast for a few years and just got my real estate license. The only thing I could see benefiting you doing both is the knowledge. The hustle it takes to get the inspection business going along with the financial investment in my opinion wouldn’t be worth it. Sure, you could take the courses but like someone else said, it’s only going to teach you about some codes and how to identify issues. I wish you luck and would be available if you have any questions on the inspection side!