College Student Looking to Take on Their First Deal

New to Real Estate · Lexington, KY · Member since 2025 · 17 posts · 20 votes

Hello Bigger Pockets Community,

My name is Jack Nolan. I am a sophomore at the University of Kentucky interested in real estate. I am from Illinois and have been surrounded by residential and commercial real estate throughout my life. I am currently enrolled in real estate school and plan to take my test in January-February of 2026. I am also trying to get my hands on my first property and in search of partners. I am generally interested in Fix and Flips and Long-term rentals. I am looking to network with anyone in Kentucky, Southern Indiana, and Ohio. If you are a lender, investor friendly agent, experienced real estate investor, or even a beginner like me, feel free to reply to this post or add me on LinkedIn, I'd love to have a chat. Thanks for reading this!

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Marc RiceBusiness Member

Real Estate Agent · Columbus Cleveland Dayton, OH · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes

11mo

Quote from @Jack Nolan:

Hello Bigger Pockets Community,

Congratulations on taking the first step towards Real Estate. I've lived in Columbus since 2015 and own 50+ units here. Feel free to reach out and I can help you with all my contacts and experience here

[email protected]614-363-2787

Marc Rice | Investor Friendly Agent at Reafco Tailwind Team574 Reviews

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Drago Stanimirovic
New to Real Estate · Miami, FL · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 479 votes
11mo
Welcome, Jack! It’s great to see someone getting started early, you’re setting yourself up for long-term success by building knowledge, connections, and experience now. With your background and focus on both fix and flips and long-term rentals, you’ve got a strong foundation.

Networking in Kentucky, Southern Indiana, and Ohio is a smart move. Those markets have solid potential, especially if you’re looking to stay hands-on and grow steadily. Keep pushing forward with your license and first deal momentum is everything in this business.

Feel free to reach out if you need any help or advice!
1 Reply
- Jack Nolan
  OP
  New to Real Estate · Lexington, KY · Member since 2025 · 17 posts · 20 votes
  11mo
  @Drago Stanimirovic Thank you so much for the reply and advice. I'd rather get started sooner than later!
  0 Reply
Alfath AhmedBusiness Member
Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
11mo
Quote from @Jack Nolan:

Hello Bigger Pockets Community,

My name is Jack Nolan. I am a sophomore at the University of Kentucky interested in real estate. I am from Illinois and have been surrounded by residential and commercial real estate throughout my life. I am currently enrolled in real estate school and plan to take my test in January-February of 2026. I am also trying to get my hands on my first property and in search of partners. I am generally interested in Fix and Flips and Long-term rentals. I am looking to network with anyone in Kentucky, Southern Indiana, and Ohio. If you are a lender, investor friendly agent, experienced real estate investor, or even a beginner like me, feel free to reply to this post or add me on LinkedIn, I'd love to have a chat. Thanks for reading this!

Awesome man, you are in the right space being so early on in your career. Read BRRRR by david greene and Multi-family Millionaire Vol 1 & 2 by Brandon Turner.
I'm 27 years old and own 28u nits now in my market. I got started at 22 years old. I just started really growing my portfolio this year. I practiced the skill of selling and deal analysis before anything and acquired amazing assets that made me a millionaire slowly.
Try to get some partnerships with people that are young, hustling, and hungry. Maybe they already bought a deal or 2 and have a vision. Good luck!
[email protected]614-802-5698
ReafCo | Ahmed Group 533 Reviews
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- Jack Nolan
  OP
  New to Real Estate · Lexington, KY · Member since 2025 · 17 posts · 20 votes
  11mo
  @Alfath Ahmed Thanks for the reply! It's nice to meet you. I have read BRRRR and Multifamily millionaire is in the queue currently. I am also in search of partnerships, if you have any advice on doing so, I would appreciate it! I am currently discussing with family and friends. Also, what kind of properties do you currently invest in?
  0 Reply
- Alfath AhmedBusiness Member
  Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
  11mo
  Quote from @Jack Nolan:
  
  @Alfath Ahmed Thanks for the reply! It's nice to meet you. I have read BRRRR and Multifamily millionaire is in the queue currently. I am also in search of partnerships, if you have any advice on doing so, I would appreciate it! I am currently discussing with family and friends. Also, what kind of properties do you currently invest in?
  
  I invest in small 1-4 units right now because there is not too many people in my market that sell this. I have a team of cold-callers and also a ton of referral partners. I sold 120 deal this year. Built great relationships and helped many clients develop good SOW and procedures for their business. In return, it was great practice for me.
  Go to a ton of networking events and go to BPCON!!
  [email protected]614-802-5698
  ReafCo | Ahmed Group 533 Reviews
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  1 Reply
- Jack Nolan
  OP
  New to Real Estate · Lexington, KY · Member since 2025 · 17 posts · 20 votes
  11mo
  @Alfath Ahmed That's awesome, congratulations! Out of everything, what has been your biggest challenge?
  0 Reply
Kerlous TadresBusiness Member
Realtor · Columbus, OH · Member since 2023 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
11mo
I’d start with a house hack. It’s the easiest way to get your first deal, lower your living costs, and learn how to manage a property without taking on a big flip right away. That one move can set you up for everything that comes next.
[email protected]614-490-1163
Kerlous Tadres | Reafco Real Estate542 Reviews
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- Jack Nolan
  OP
  New to Real Estate · Lexington, KY · Member since 2025 · 17 posts · 20 votes
  11mo
  Quote from @Kerlous Tadres:
  
  I’d start with a house hack. It’s the easiest way to get your first deal, lower your living costs, and learn how to manage a property without taking on a big flip right away. That one move can set you up for everything that comes next.
  
  Thanks for replying! This is one of the ways I will look to get more involved when I graduate from school. However, I have been in search of homes that are off market near my campus. The supply however is very scarce at the moment due to the tremendous value of campus homes and their potential to print $$$$. But all I need is one homeowner to say yes!
  0 Reply
Keyona Taylor
Real Estate Broker · Member since 2019 · 77 posts · 19 votes
11mo
Welcome to BP, Jack! Lender and investor here. I would love to meet or chat whenever you have the time.
0 Reply
Marc RiceBusiness Member
Real Estate Agent · Columbus Cleveland Dayton, OH · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
11mo
Quote from @Jack Nolan:

Hello Bigger Pockets Community,

My name is Jack Nolan. I am a sophomore at the University of Kentucky interested in real estate. I am from Illinois and have been surrounded by residential and commercial real estate throughout my life. I am currently enrolled in real estate school and plan to take my test in January-February of 2026. I am also trying to get my hands on my first property and in search of partners. I am generally interested in Fix and Flips and Long-term rentals. I am looking to network with anyone in Kentucky, Southern Indiana, and Ohio. If you are a lender, investor friendly agent, experienced real estate investor, or even a beginner like me, feel free to reply to this post or add me on LinkedIn, I'd love to have a chat. Thanks for reading this!

Congratulations on taking the first step towards Real Estate. I've lived in Columbus since 2015 and own 50+ units here. Feel free to reach out and I can help you with all my contacts and experience here
[email protected]614-363-2787
Marc Rice | Investor Friendly Agent at Reafco Tailwind Team574 Reviews
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2 Reply
Ryan RomingerBusiness Member
Real Estate Broker · Indianapolis, IN · Member since 2018 · 340 posts · 144 votes
11mo
Welcome, Jack! It’s great you’re getting started early and being around the business already gives you a solid head start. In this region, long-term rentals and light-to-medium rehab flips are still solid entry points, especially if you can partner with people who know the local markets. Happy to connect and share what I’m seeing on the property management and leasing side in Southern Indiana whenever you’re digging into your first deal.
[email protected]317-935-0075
Intrigue Real Estate & Property Management4.6272 Reviews
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Elealeh Fulmaran
Specialist · Member since 2025 · 483 posts · 270 votes
11mo
Jack, solid start—channel that energy into one clean first win. Pick one lane for 90 days: either a simple flip with tight numbers or a rent‑ready long‑term hold in B/C neighborhoods so you've got multiple exits. Build your core four now—investor‑friendly agent, PM, lender, and one GC—and give them a clear buy box with your price, rent range, and rehab tolerance. Analyze a handful of deals daily, use conservative ARV and rehab, and make offers with inspection and financing outs. While you prep for the license, don't wait to act—tour properties, verify rents with a PM, and post a live deal here with your numbers and comps for feedback.
0 Reply
Jimmy LieuBusiness Member
Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2019 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
11mo
Quote from @Jack Nolan:

Hello Bigger Pockets Community,

My name is Jack Nolan. I am a sophomore at the University of Kentucky interested in real estate. I am from Illinois and have been surrounded by residential and commercial real estate throughout my life. I am currently enrolled in real estate school and plan to take my test in January-February of 2026. I am also trying to get my hands on my first property and in search of partners. I am generally interested in Fix and Flips and Long-term rentals. I am looking to network with anyone in Kentucky, Southern Indiana, and Ohio. If you are a lender, investor friendly agent, experienced real estate investor, or even a beginner like me, feel free to reply to this post or add me on LinkedIn, I'd love to have a chat. Thanks for reading this!

Welcome to BP, Jack! It’s awesome that you’re diving into real estate so early and already thinking about networking and partnerships—that mindset will take you far. Since you’re open to Ohio, I’d highly suggest taking a look at Columbus for both long-term rentals and potential fix-and-flip opportunities. I moved here from Portland in 2020 and now own 10+ rentals, and the market has been really strong for investors, especially with population growth, job growth, and big companies like Intel, Amazon, Google, Facebook, Honda, Microsoft, and LG fueling demand and appreciation. You can still find single-family homes and small multis in the $120–180K range that hit the 1% rule and positive cash flow, which makes it easier to build a portfolio even as a beginner. Connecting with the right local agents, lenders, and property managers here can really accelerate your learning and help you get your first deal done. Happy to connect and answer any questions you have!
[email protected]614-300-7535
Jimmy Lieu, Red 1 Realty4.9122 Reviews
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- Jack Nolan
  OP
  New to Real Estate · Lexington, KY · Member since 2025 · 17 posts · 20 votes
  11mo
  Quote from @Jimmy Lieu:
  
  Quote from @Jack Nolan:
  
  Hello Bigger Pockets Community,
  
  My name is Jack Nolan. I am a sophomore at the University of Kentucky interested in real estate. I am from Illinois and have been surrounded by residential and commercial real estate throughout my life. I am currently enrolled in real estate school and plan to take my test in January-February of 2026. I am also trying to get my hands on my first property and in search of partners. I am generally interested in Fix and Flips and Long-term rentals. I am looking to network with anyone in Kentucky, Southern Indiana, and Ohio. If you are a lender, investor friendly agent, experienced real estate investor, or even a beginner like me, feel free to reply to this post or add me on LinkedIn, I'd love to have a chat. Thanks for reading this!
  
  Welcome to BP, Jack! It’s awesome that you’re diving into real estate so early and already thinking about networking and partnerships—that mindset will take you far. Since you’re open to Ohio, I’d highly suggest taking a look at Columbus for both long-term rentals and potential fix-and-flip opportunities. I moved here from Portland in 2020 and now own 10+ rentals, and the market has been really strong for investors, especially with population growth, job growth, and big companies like Intel, Amazon, Google, Facebook, Honda, Microsoft, and LG fueling demand and appreciation. You can still find single-family homes and small multis in the $120–180K range that hit the 1% rule and positive cash flow, which makes it easier to build a portfolio even as a beginner. Connecting with the right local agents, lenders, and property managers here can really accelerate your learning and help you get your first deal done. Happy to connect and answer any questions you have!
  Thanks for the warm welcome! Really appreciate you taking the time to share this. Columbus sounds like an amazing market, especially with all the growth and major companies moving in. I’m always looking to learn from people a few steps ahead, so I’d love to connect and pick your brain about the market.
  
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