Beginner looking to expand her knowledge. Currently in Austin, TX

[Keely McBrayer]

Hi everyone!

My name is Keely McBrayer and I am finishing up my last year of college at The University of Texas at Austin. I am a business major with a concentration in marketing and a minor in real estate. 

I recently started an internship with a lending company that focuses on STRs, LTRs, BRRRs, and everything in between. I feel like there is so much to learn about the real estate industry. Although real world experience is the best way to learn, I would LOVE to hear from you guys to see what you wish you knew as a beginner to the industry. My goal is to one day have my own STR (or many) but I am constantly being introduced into new career paths within real estate and am open to new ideas and opportunities.

I can't want to meet you guys! Feel free to reach out, I would love to learn more about why you chose this industry and the success/difficulties you have faced.

[Marlon Fong]

Welcome to the BP community @Keely McBrayer! We're glad to have you here.

Here are some recommendations for you:

Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: http://www.biggerpockets.com/m...

Set up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/a...

Read Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/r...

Check out BP Money Podcasts: https://www.biggerpockets.com/...

Wishing you the best!

[Campbell Key]

Hi @Keely McBrayer 

Congrats on wrapping up at UT! I graduated in 2018 and wish I would've known all the benefits of real estate back then. If I did, I would've purchased my first primary residence and house hacked as soon as I had enough $ for a 3%-5% down payment, especially since I was already living with a friend at the time. House hacking is such a powerful strategy but you dont really see the benefits of it until you've done it for a little while. Do your best to find a place that would be cash flow positive if you rent the entire house later (may have to get creative), but ultimately just take action on your first primary residence as soon as you can afford it - you'll learn so much just by getting started with that. All the money you save by having roomies pay your mortgage can be put towards your first STR purchase, which could come along a lot quicker than you realize.

If you haven't already, read "Set for Life" by Scott Trench - he talks extensively about the benefits of house hacking as well as the basics of real estate in general. 

Of course "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" is a must-read too.

Feel free to shoot me a DM if you'd like to ask any specific questions about my perspective - like many people on here, I love making connections and talking real estate!

[Bob Reinhard]

Welcome aboard ! Much success !!
Bob

[Eliott Elias]

Welcome to BP! Always down to talk real estate, dm me and let’s talk 

[Julio Gonzalez]

Hi Keely, you came to the right to start your journey in real estate! 

Welcome aboard and best of luck!

[Wale Lawal]

Welcome to BiggerPockets Keely, you are definitely in the right place. Just make sure to consume contents here as much as possible and feel free to ask any questions you may have. We are here to help each other grow.

Goodluck