I have 2 Questions

[Andrew Pierce]

My first Question, As someone who is completely new to real estate, would you recommend that i get a real estate license? I have taken a real estate finance course in school and i currently work as a banker so i have some knowledge on financing although extremely minimal. I have also watched many different youtube channels on real estate but i still feel like from an investor standpoint i don't understand real estate and i am considering taking a real estate license course just so i can understand real estate more. Essentially my question is does having a real estate license help you as an investor?

My second Question, I have constantly read books on self improvement and i am actively trying to improve. One thing that i hear a lot of from successful people is that its essential to have a mastermind group, or be surrounded by people who are also trying to improve. I am currently 22 and i feel like a lot of the people my age that are around me dont have the same mindset. My question is for people who are surrounded by others who are also trying to improve how did you find them? I hope my question makes sense and i know its not about real estate but i was curious.

[Lindsay Davis]

@Andrew Pierce,

As @Seth McGathey and @Charles Clark said, getting your real estate license is helpful, but not necessary. I’ll add that it’s one of many ways you can gain an edge as an investor.

Being a contractor, homebuilder, handyman, structural engineer, appraiser, inspector, accountant, real estate attorney, or banker (as you are) can also give you a unique advantage. Basically, if you work in a role that is involved in one or more aspects of the rental business—be it development, construction, renovation, acquisition, leasing, property management, or financing—those skills can help you as an investor.

As for your question about a mastermind group, those are definitely helpful. As @Aaron Zimmerman mentioned, they don’t have to be big. I’ll also add that they don’t need to be paid or exclusive—no need to drop hundreds or thousands of dollars a year on a membership. Just find a group of real estate investors, get to know them, and start asking questions. Even BiggerPockets counts!