Eager to Learn and Grow

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Eager to Learn and Grow

Jacob Kempa
New to Real Estate · Cincinnati, OH · Member since 2025 · 4 posts · 3 votes

Hello everyone,

I am a 21-year-old college student who is working toward becoming a real estate investor after graduation. Over the past few years, I have been using my free time to learn as much as I can about real estate investing through podcasts, books, articles, BiggerPockets content, and other resources. I have also been using AI as a tool to help organize my learning and better understand different investing strategies.

I currently attend the University of Cincinnati and plan to stay in the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area after graduating in 2028. My goal is to purchase my first investment property shortly after graduation through a house hack, ideally a duplex, triplex, or fourplex. I have been focused on preparing financially and educating myself now so I can put myself in the best position possible when the opportunity comes.

Long term, my goal is to build a portfolio of rental properties, learn how to manage them effectively, and continue growing as an investor. I am especially interested in learning about property analysis, financing, renovations, tenant management, and the day-to-day realities of owning rentals.

I am reaching out to the BiggerPockets community because I would appreciate any advice, book recommendations, resources, or lessons learned that could help me avoid common mistakes and start on the right path.

I would also love the opportunity to connect with or shadow investors, property managers, contractors, real estate agents, or anyone involved in real estate in the Cincinnati area. I understand everyone is busy, and I am not expecting anyone to give up a significant amount of time. Even an occasional conversation, a chance to ask questions, or an opportunity to help with a project would mean a lot.

Between school, hockey, and work, my schedule is busy, but I am extremely motivated and willing to put in the effort to learn. I believe the best way to become successful in this industry is to learn from people who are already doing it.

Thank you in advance to anyone willing to share advice or connect. I look forward to learning from this community!

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Arman AhmedPro Member
Real Estate Agent · Columbus Cleveland Dayton, OH · Member since 2024 · 2k+ posts · 900 votes
1mo
Quote from @Jacob Kempa:

Hello everyone,

I am a 21-year-old college student who is working toward becoming a real estate investor after graduation. Over the past few years, I have been using my free time to learn as much as I can about real estate investing through podcasts, books, articles, BiggerPockets content, and other resources. I have also been using AI as a tool to help organize my learning and better understand different investing strategies.

I currently attend the University of Cincinnati and plan to stay in the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area after graduating in 2028. My goal is to purchase my first investment property shortly after graduation through a house hack, ideally a duplex, triplex, or fourplex. I have been focused on preparing financially and educating myself now so I can put myself in the best position possible when the opportunity comes.

Long term, my goal is to build a portfolio of rental properties, learn how to manage them effectively, and continue growing as an investor. I am especially interested in learning about property analysis, financing, renovations, tenant management, and the day-to-day realities of owning rentals.

I am reaching out to the BiggerPockets community because I would appreciate any advice, book recommendations, resources, or lessons learned that could help me avoid common mistakes and start on the right path.

I would also love the opportunity to connect with or shadow investors, property managers, contractors, real estate agents, or anyone involved in real estate in the Cincinnati area. I understand everyone is busy, and I am not expecting anyone to give up a significant amount of time. Even an occasional conversation, a chance to ask questions, or an opportunity to help with a project would mean a lot.

Between school, hockey, and work, my schedule is busy, but I am extremely motivated and willing to put in the effort to learn. I believe the best way to become successful in this industry is to learn from people who are already doing it.

Thank you in advance to anyone willing to share advice or connect. I look forward to learning from this community!


You’re starting at the right time, Jacob. The biggest advantage you have is time, so keep learning, networking, and spending time with people who are actively doing deals. House hacking is a great first step, and learning how to analyze properties, understand financing, and build relationships with contractors and investors will put you ahead. Since you’re already in Cincinnati, you’re in a great position to explore Midwest markets like Ohio, where affordable multifamily opportunities and strong cash flow can still be found.
[email protected]614-418-6081
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  • Arman AhmedPro Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus Cleveland Dayton, OH · Member since 2024 · 2k+ posts · 900 votes
    1mo
    Quote from @Jacob Kempa:

    Hello everyone,

    I am a 21-year-old college student who is working toward becoming a real estate investor after graduation. Over the past few years, I have been using my free time to learn as much as I can about real estate investing through podcasts, books, articles, BiggerPockets content, and other resources. I have also been using AI as a tool to help organize my learning and better understand different investing strategies.

    I currently attend the University of Cincinnati and plan to stay in the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area after graduating in 2028. My goal is to purchase my first investment property shortly after graduation through a house hack, ideally a duplex, triplex, or fourplex. I have been focused on preparing financially and educating myself now so I can put myself in the best position possible when the opportunity comes.

    Long term, my goal is to build a portfolio of rental properties, learn how to manage them effectively, and continue growing as an investor. I am especially interested in learning about property analysis, financing, renovations, tenant management, and the day-to-day realities of owning rentals.

    I am reaching out to the BiggerPockets community because I would appreciate any advice, book recommendations, resources, or lessons learned that could help me avoid common mistakes and start on the right path.

    I would also love the opportunity to connect with or shadow investors, property managers, contractors, real estate agents, or anyone involved in real estate in the Cincinnati area. I understand everyone is busy, and I am not expecting anyone to give up a significant amount of time. Even an occasional conversation, a chance to ask questions, or an opportunity to help with a project would mean a lot.

    Between school, hockey, and work, my schedule is busy, but I am extremely motivated and willing to put in the effort to learn. I believe the best way to become successful in this industry is to learn from people who are already doing it.

    Thank you in advance to anyone willing to share advice or connect. I look forward to learning from this community!


    You’re starting at the right time, Jacob. The biggest advantage you have is time, so keep learning, networking, and spending time with people who are actively doing deals. House hacking is a great first step, and learning how to analyze properties, understand financing, and build relationships with contractors and investors will put you ahead. Since you’re already in Cincinnati, you’re in a great position to explore Midwest markets like Ohio, where affordable multifamily opportunities and strong cash flow can still be found.
    [email protected]614-418-6081
    1Reply
  • Emanuele Mayer
    Lender · Member since 2022 · 72 posts · 19 votes
    1mo

    Hi Jacob, welcome to BiggerPockets! It’s great to see someone your age already putting in the work to learn about real estate investing. Starting early and building relationships will give you a huge advantage. Keep networking, asking questions, and learning from people already in the industry. Wishing you success as you work toward your first investment property!

    0Reply
  • Aaron ZimmermanBusiness Member
    Accountant · Chicago, IL · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    1mo

    Read set for life to get the foundation of personal finance. 

    Listen to Biggerpockets rookie podcast and David Greene podcast for education.

    mistakes to avoid: sewer scope is a must, inherited tenants - you must get them. 

    go to local real estate meetups to network and increase odds of success 

    [email protected]
    Brick House CPAs53 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    0Reply
  • Sam McCormackBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Cincinnati, OH/NKY · Member since 2021 · 1k+ posts · 833 votes
    1mo
    Quote from @Jacob Kempa:

    Hello everyone,

    I am a 21-year-old college student who is working toward becoming a real estate investor after graduation. Over the past few years, I have been using my free time to learn as much as I can about real estate investing through podcasts, books, articles, BiggerPockets content, and other resources. I have also been using AI as a tool to help organize my learning and better understand different investing strategies.

    I currently attend the University of Cincinnati and plan to stay in the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area after graduating in 2028. My goal is to purchase my first investment property shortly after graduation through a house hack, ideally a duplex, triplex, or fourplex. I have been focused on preparing financially and educating myself now so I can put myself in the best position possible when the opportunity comes.

    Long term, my goal is to build a portfolio of rental properties, learn how to manage them effectively, and continue growing as an investor. I am especially interested in learning about property analysis, financing, renovations, tenant management, and the day-to-day realities of owning rentals.

    I am reaching out to the BiggerPockets community because I would appreciate any advice, book recommendations, resources, or lessons learned that could help me avoid common mistakes and start on the right path.

    I would also love the opportunity to connect with or shadow investors, property managers, contractors, real estate agents, or anyone involved in real estate in the Cincinnati area. I understand everyone is busy, and I am not expecting anyone to give up a significant amount of time. Even an occasional conversation, a chance to ask questions, or an opportunity to help with a project would mean a lot.

    Between school, hockey, and work, my schedule is busy, but I am extremely motivated and willing to put in the effort to learn. I believe the best way to become successful in this industry is to learn from people who are already doing it.

    Thank you in advance to anyone willing to share advice or connect. I look forward to learning from this community!


     Hey Jacob, i'm a realtor in Cincinnati and NKY. I have 2 properties (both have been househacks), and serve me greatly. Shoot me a DM if you'd like to get together sometime to call, coffee, lunch, etc.!

    [email protected]859-443-4952
    Sam McCormack Realtor
    View Page
    0Reply
  • Travis Goodwin
    Wholesaler · Charleston WV · Member since 2026 · 219 posts · 119 votes
    1mo

    A house hack can be a great first move, especially if you prepare your credit, income, and reserves before graduating.

    My biggest advice is to start building local relationships now. Meet investors, agents, lenders, contractors, and property managers in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. When asking to shadow someone, offer to help with something specific instead of only asking for their time.

    Also, study real deals in your target neighborhoods. Track purchase prices, rents, repairs, taxes, insurance, and vacancies. AI and books can help you learn the concepts, but analyzing properties and talking with active investors will teach you how the business actually works.

    0Reply
  • Wale LawalBusiness Member
    Real Estate Broker · Houston | Dallas | Austin, TX · Member since 2018 · 5k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    1mo

    @Jacob Kempa

    You’ve made a wise decision in that regard, you will have good insights about underwriting, financing, and your local market when you graduate. You should concentrate on analyzing Cincinnati deals every week, developing contacts with local investors and gaining practical experience prior to your first house hack rather than trying to learn new information.

    Good luck!

    [email protected]832-776-9582Podcast Guest on Show #469
    NETWORTH BUILDERS5234 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    0Reply
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