I’m am looking to retire from military service soon, and I would like to get advice on what the next step should be. I am very interested in the investing side of commercial real estate, and I would like to begin a new career that gives me hands on experience in dealing with these type of transactions.
Note: I am not interested in becoming an agent, but I would like to work for/ be mentored by someone who already knows how to do things correctly and can teach me along the way. What type of real estate professional/s would you recommend reaching out to?
I witnessed my late father (ex-Navy) & mother transition from military to full time investing very successfully. I did the same although I was never in the military, I quit my corporate job in 2001 to become a full time investor. Research who the active investors are in your target area (title records) & connect with them & see how you can assist them on their goals & operations.
@Adam Briley , welcome. I was in much the same boat, active duty Navy with 3 years till retirement. I went the agent route first just to help build an education, and am currently investing in apartment buildings. I am in the VA Beach area, stationed out of Dam Neck would be happy to try and answer any questions you may have or direct you to those local that might.
I’m am looking to retire from military service soon, and I would like to get advice on what the next step should be. I am very interested in the investing side of commercial real estate, and I would like to begin a new career that gives me hands on experience in dealing with these type of transactions.
Note: I am not interested in becoming an agent, but I would like to work for/ be mentored by someone who already knows how to do things correctly and can teach me along the way. What type of real estate professional/s would you recommend reaching out to?
I appreciate any advice. Thank you.
It all depends on what you want to do specifically and what your financial resources look like. You could get a job in the business with a developer, investment firm or property management company or take some courses and or hire a coach to teach you the business.
Hello Adam! There is a group called the Peninsula Real Estate Investors Association (PREIA) that is meeting on the 12th in Hampton. It is a well established group and a great place to meet investors with various niches/interests. You can find them on the meetup app
I went to a meeting in January. I'm in Williamsburg, so its a bit of a hike for me so I don't attend regularly. They had a great presenter, and after the presenter, everyone takes turns introducing themselves and saying what they are looking for. After that, you kind of know who is in the room, and can make connections. It is great!
@Adam, the best thing you can do is focus on learning everything you can, and networking as much as possible, right now. The more educated you are, and the bigger your network, the better off you'll be!
You've gotten some great advice here. It's pretty simple (in theory). Figure out the niche you would like to pursue and connect with those pursuing, exceling, or established in it. Example being, if you want to try your hand at flipping, go to the meetups, connect with the flippers and listen to and learn from their stories. Bring something to the table and you may have your future partners to work with along the way. The best way to learn is by jumping in alongside people who have been doing it for years.
These ways will most likely cost you money at the start (but what doesn't, right?), but you could also put your skills to work in the corporate world in some capacity with a real estate firm and get paid while you learn. You could work in the industry in a wide variety of positions and learn from some big dogs. I worked for many years in the commercial real estate world for developers, syndicators, property managers and commercial brokers before jumping into investing full-time myself, but knowing that is where I wanted to go. It helped me establish relationships that supported my investing aspirations and the leadership helped me along the way. If you have your end in mind (investing full-time), your time working in one of those companies will be much more valuable and the sky is the limit!! Good luck out there :) and thank you for your service!
Our local Tidewater Real Estate Investment Group meets in VB monthly -- I think it's the largest in the US, so definitely networking opportunities available there.
Let me know if you need funding for your deals. We will not only match but beat any other lender. Feel free to send to anyone who needs funding. Just send all emailsl.