The Beginning: Starting my real estate journey post-college

Cleveland, OH · Member since 2022 · 826 posts · 578 votes

Hello all!

My name is Ben Sulka and I am a student at Cleveland State University. I'm 21 years old and have had an interest in real estate for a while now but really didn't know where to start. Then I found Bigger Pockets. This platform has allowed me to open a door that I didn't even know existed.

My plan is to learn as much as I can, be active on the forums and save as much money as I can in my final years of college so that I can start investing in small multifamily properties in my local area as soon as I graduate.

Would love to connect with anyone who is willing!

All the best,

Ben

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Isabel Anness

New to Real Estate · Cleveland, OH · Member since 2022 · 21 posts · 11 votes

Hi Ben!

My name is Isabel, and I am finishing up my final semester at Ohio State. It was nice to see another youngish aspiring real estate investor. I, too, would love to invest in small multifamily properties as soon as possible, and I would love to connect/follow along on your journey!

Isabel

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Nicholas MischPro Member
Investor · Broadview Hts, OH · Member since 2016 · 310 posts · 280 votes
4y
Quote from @Benjamin Sulka:

Hello all!
My name is Ben Sulka and I am a student at Cleveland State University. I'm 21 years old and have had an interest in real estate for a while now but really didn't know where to start. Then I found Bigger Pockets. This platform has allowed me to open a door that I didn't even know existed.
My plan is to learn as much as I can, be active on the forums and save as much money as I can in my final years of college so that I can start investing in small multifamily properties in my local area as soon as I graduate.
Would love to connect with anyone who is willing!
All the best,
Ben

Hey Ben,
I graduated from Cleveland State in 2009 (a long time ago) with my Bachelors of Business. What a great experience! What are you going to school for? I thought I wanted to work my way up in a traditional corporation and my goal was to become CEO, but once I found real estate I realized I could be the CEO of my own life and own and be in charge of tangible assets! My long term goal is to use my real estate skill and money to buy businesses. What's your long term goal?
I would love to connect further and be of any assistance I can be in your journey.
1 Reply
Justin WindhamPro Member
Banker · Nationwide · Member since 2015 · 4k+ posts · 1k+ votes
4y
@Benjamin Sulka
Welcome to Bigger Pockets!

This is a great place to learn and network.

If you are looking to connect with other members near you, or want to learn from people in a specific area you’d like to invest in, or have a desire to find people interested in certain topics, you could use the search feature here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/search/users
2 Reply
James Wise
Real Estate Broker · Cleveland Dayton Cincinnati Toledo Columbus & Akron, OH · Member since 2013 · 30k+ posts · 20k+ votes
4y
Quote from @Benjamin Sulka:

Hello all!
My name is Ben Sulka and I am a student at Cleveland State University. I'm 21 years old and have had an interest in real estate for a while now but really didn't know where to start. Then I found Bigger Pockets. This platform has allowed me to open a door that I didn't even know existed.
My plan is to learn as much as I can, be active on the forums and save as much money as I can in my final years of college so that I can start investing in small multifamily properties in my local area as soon as I graduate.
Would love to connect with anyone who is willing!
All the best,
Ben

Welcome aboard playa.
1 Reply
Shane Kelly
Real Estate Agent · Cleveland, OH · Member since 2021 · 383 posts · 361 votes
4y
Love to hear it! I am a 21 year old college student myself and am an agent in Cleveland. I love investments of all kinds and real estate is my passion. Bigger Pockets through the podcast and the forums has given me a ton of knowledge and connections that I cannot thank them enough for. If you're in need of anything in the market I'd love to help you out as another young entrepreneur myself. Much luck to you!
1 Reply
Eliott Elias
Investor · Austin, TX · Member since 2021 · 9k+ posts · 5k+ votes
4y
The turtle always wins the race. Build a good foundation and network as much as possible. Seeing what others are doing in your market will give you great insight on different strategies
Maybe start with getting your license!
1 Reply
Benjamin Sulka
OP
Cleveland, OH · Member since 2022 · 826 posts · 578 votes
4y
Quote from @Nicholas Misch:

Quote from @Benjamin Sulka:

Hello all!
My name is Ben Sulka and I am a student at Cleveland State University. I'm 21 years old and have had an interest in real estate for a while now but really didn't know where to start. Then I found Bigger Pockets. This platform has allowed me to open a door that I didn't even know existed.
My plan is to learn as much as I can, be active on the forums and save as much money as I can in my final years of college so that I can start investing in small multifamily properties in my local area as soon as I graduate.
Would love to connect with anyone who is willing!
All the best,
Ben

Hey Ben,
I graduated from Cleveland State in 2009 (a long time ago) with my Bachelors of Business. What a great experience! What are you going to school for? I thought I wanted to work my way up in a traditional corporation and my goal was to become CEO, but once I found real estate I realized I could be the CEO of my own life and own and be in charge of tangible assets! My long term goal is to use my real estate skill and money to buy businesses. What's your long term goal?
I would love to connect further and be of any assistance I can be in your journey.

Hey Nicholas! I appreciate your reply.
I am going to school for marketing, specifically focusing on digital marketing.
I actually have two long-term goals that I have been considering both of which are pretty different. One would be having short-term rentals like Air BnB's across the country or owning a large apartment complex. Other than real estate, another long-term goal of mine is to have a bunch of kids and using the money to help raise them.
0 Reply
Benjamin Sulka
OP
Cleveland, OH · Member since 2022 · 826 posts · 578 votes
4y
Quote from @Shane Kelly:

Love to hear it! I am a 21 year old college student myself and am an agent in Cleveland. I love investments of all kinds and real estate is my passion. Bigger Pockets through the podcast and the forums has given me a ton of knowledge and connections that I cannot thank them enough for. If you're in need of anything in the market I'd love to help you out as another young entrepreneur myself. Much luck to you!

Thanks so much, Shane! Would love to be in contact at some point throughout this adventure.
2 Reply
Benjamin Sulka
OP
Cleveland, OH · Member since 2022 · 826 posts · 578 votes
4y
Quote from @Eliott Elias:

The turtle always wins the race. Build a good foundation and network as much as possible. Seeing what others are doing in your market will give you great insight on different strategies
Maybe start with getting your license!

I appreciate the reply, Eliott. I'm working on building my network as much as possible. I have already found a couple of local mentors.
0 Reply
Benjamin Sulka
OP
Cleveland, OH · Member since 2022 · 826 posts · 578 votes
4y
Quote from @James Wise:

Quote from @Benjamin Sulka:

Hello all!
My name is Ben Sulka and I am a student at Cleveland State University. I'm 21 years old and have had an interest in real estate for a while now but really didn't know where to start. Then I found Bigger Pockets. This platform has allowed me to open a door that I didn't even know existed.
My plan is to learn as much as I can, be active on the forums and save as much money as I can in my final years of college so that I can start investing in small multifamily properties in my local area as soon as I graduate.
Would love to connect with anyone who is willing!
All the best,
Ben

Welcome aboard playa.

Thank you, sir
0 Reply
Benjamin Sulka
OP
Cleveland, OH · Member since 2022 · 826 posts · 578 votes
4y
Quote from @Justin Windham:

@Benjamin Sulka
Welcome to Bigger Pockets!

This is a great place to learn and network.

If you are looking to connect with other members near you, or want to learn from people in a specific area you’d like to invest in, or have a desire to find people interested in certain topics, you could use the search feature here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/search/users

Thanks so much, Justin. Much appreciated.
0 Reply
Isabel Anness
New to Real Estate · Cleveland, OH · Member since 2022 · 21 posts · 11 votes
4y
Hi Ben!

My name is Isabel, and I am finishing up my final semester at Ohio State. It was nice to see another youngish aspiring real estate investor. I, too, would love to invest in small multifamily properties as soon as possible, and I would love to connect/follow along on your journey!

Isabel
3 Reply
Joshua Acosta
Realtor · Los Angeles · Member since 2021 · 22 posts · 12 votes
4y
I'm also a newbie learning how amazing Real Estate is. Looking forward in connecting with everyone.
3 Reply
Remington LymanBusiness Member
Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2017 · 6k+ posts · 7k+ votes
4y
Quote from @Isabel Anness:

Hi Ben!

My name is Isabel, and I am finishing up my final semester at Ohio State. It was nice to see another youngish aspiring real estate investor. I, too, would love to invest in small multifamily properties as soon as possible, and I would love to connect/follow along on your journey!

Isabel

Do you plan to stay in Columbus, Ohio when you graduated from OSU?
[email protected]614-541-8475 Podcast Guest on Show My Job Laid Me Off, So I Replaced My Salary with Rentals
Reafco512 Reviews
Website View Page
1 Reply
Benjamin Sulka
OP
Cleveland, OH · Member since 2022 · 826 posts · 578 votes
4y
Quote from @Isabel Anness:

Hi Ben!

My name is Isabel, and I am finishing up my final semester at Ohio State. It was nice to see another youngish aspiring real estate investor. I, too, would love to invest in small multifamily properties as soon as possible, and I would love to connect/follow along on your journey!

Isabel

What's up, Isabel! Thanks so much for the comment.
I would love to follow you along in your real estate journey as well.
I'd be happy to connect.
Ben

0 Reply
Nathan Murith
Investor · San Rafael · Member since 2020 · 376 posts · 274 votes
4y
Hi @Benjamin Sulka @Isabel Anness @Joshua Acosta @Shane Kelly, welcome to BiggerPockets and congratulations on doing the work! You are in the right place to get help and ask questions!
It is very inspiring to see so many eager and motivated folks wanting to do the work and get started!
Well done reaching out. I still remember when we were getting started. We also still have documented all of the stuff that helped us when we were starting.
Happy to share all the tools, tips, tricks, and resources we used and still use. Do not hesitate to reach out, connect, and DM me. Happy to help!
1 Reply
Brandon GoldsmithBusiness Member
Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2020 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
4y
I would immediately start looking for a mentor in your area. Someone who you can learn from but also price value to. That is going to speed up the learning curve. Good luck! @Benjamin Sulka
[email protected]614-963-3340
2 Reply
Benjamin Sulka
OP
Cleveland, OH · Member since 2022 · 826 posts · 578 votes
4y
Quote from @Nathan Murith:

Hi @Benjamin Sulka @Isabel Anness @Joshua Acosta @Shane Kelly, welcome to BiggerPockets and congratulations on doing the work! You are in the right place to get help and ask questions!
It is very inspiring to see so many eager and motivated folks wanting to do the work and get started!
Well done reaching out. I still remember when we were getting started. We also still have documented all of the stuff that helped us when we were starting.
Happy to share all the tools, tips, tricks, and resources we used and still use. Do not hesitate to reach out, connect, and DM me. Happy to help!

Thank you, Nathan!! Really appreciate the response.
0 Reply
Benjamin Sulka
OP
Cleveland, OH · Member since 2022 · 826 posts · 578 votes
4y
Quote from @Brandon Goldsmith:

I would immediately start looking for a mentor in your area. Someone who you can learn from but also price value to. That is going to speed up the learning curve. Good luck! @Benjamin Sulka

Thank you! I have already found a mentor in my local area and plan on meeting with him ASAP. I plan to help him out with finding deals and fixing up properties if needed. I don't want to ask for his assistance without adding value to his investing.
0 Reply
Isabel Anness
New to Real Estate · Cleveland, OH · Member since 2022 · 21 posts · 11 votes
4y
Quote from @Remington Lyman:

Quote from @Isabel Anness:

Hi Ben!

My name is Isabel, and I am finishing up my final semester at Ohio State. It was nice to see another youngish aspiring real estate investor. I, too, would love to invest in small multifamily properties as soon as possible, and I would love to connect/follow along on your journey!

Isabel

Do you plan to stay in Columbus, Ohio when you graduated from OSU?

Hi Remington! I will actually be heading back to Cleveland when I graduate.
1 Reply
James Wise
Real Estate Broker · Cleveland Dayton Cincinnati Toledo Columbus & Akron, OH · Member since 2013 · 30k+ posts · 20k+ votes
4y
Quote from @Joshua Acosta:

I'm also a newbie learning how amazing Real Estate is. Looking forward in connecting with everyone.

Welcome to the party Josh.
1 Reply
Kenny Schumacher
Rental Property Investor · San Jose, CA · Member since 2019 · 17 posts · 16 votes
4y
Welcome Ben! I started RE investing three years ago when I was 25, so you've got some years ahead of me! If I can be of help feel free to reach out.
1 Reply
Joshua Acosta
Realtor · Los Angeles · Member since 2021 · 22 posts · 12 votes
4y
Quote from @James Wise:

Quote from @Joshua Acosta:

I'm also a newbie learning how amazing Real Estate is. Looking forward in connecting with everyone.

@James Wise - I'll bring the Champagne!!

Welcome to the party Josh.

@James Wise - I'll bring some champagne
1 Reply
Joshua Acosta
Realtor · Los Angeles · Member since 2021 · 22 posts · 12 votes
4y
Quote from @Kenny Schumacher:

Welcome Ben! I started RE investing three years ago when I was 25, so you've got some years ahead of me! If I can be of help feel free to reach out.
Hey Kenny, let's connect, I can use all of the advice possible, I'm trying to buy my first property within the next 2 months.

Best Regards!
1 Reply
Joshua Acosta
Realtor · Los Angeles · Member since 2021 · 22 posts · 12 votes
4y
Quote from @Isabel Anness:

Hi Ben!

My name is Isabel, and I am finishing up my final semester at Ohio State. It was nice to see another youngish aspiring real estate investor. I, too, would love to invest in small multifamily properties as soon as possible, and I would love to connect/follow along on your journey!

Isabel - Hi Isabel, good luck with everything

0 Reply
Kenny Schumacher
Rental Property Investor · San Jose, CA · Member since 2019 · 17 posts · 16 votes
4y
Quote from @Joshua Acosta:

Quote from @Kenny Schumacher:

Welcome Ben! I started RE investing three years ago when I was 25, so you've got some years ahead of me! If I can be of help feel free to reach out.
Hey Kenny, let's connect, I can use all of the advice possible, I'm trying to buy my first property within the next 2 months.

Best Regards!
Sounds great - feel free to DM me
0 Reply

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