Hello everyone! I'm an ambitious 17 year old that is interested in learning about real estate investments. I am currently a junior in high school and I'm looking towards the future. I am interested in owning my own properties and managing them myself. I do have some experience in rental properties. My parents own 4 different properties broken up into 10 units total. I have grown up helping my parents repair and refurbish the apartments and I know what it takes to manage them. However, I want to own a substantial amount more than my parents. I would like to buy my own property, save, and trade up to bigger properties.. Etc., until I have to reached a net worth of more than $1 Million. In order to complete a goal such as this, would a college education be necessary? And if so, what major would be the best? If you think college is not necessary, how could I go about starting my real estate career?
Investor · Fort Wayne, IN · Member since 2014 · 1k+ posts · 515 votes
10y
@David Walshcollege isn't necessary, though always good to have a backup plan. If you want to chat or talk sometime PM me, we could even do lunch since your kinda close.
Investor · Fort Wayne, IN · Member since 2014 · 1k+ posts · 515 votes
10y
@David Walshcollege isn't necessary, though always good to have a backup plan. If you want to chat or talk sometime PM me, we could even do lunch since your kinda close.
Rental Property Investor · Wake Forest, NC · Member since 2016 · 186 posts · 78 votes
10y
Hello David,
I have met many Investors who have come from a diversified background. I graduated with a BA in performing arts. I am Private Investigator and own my own business doing house checks for individuals and companies. My husband has an IT background. We are both new to real estate investing. So no, your degree does not need to be tied to real estate. Now, to your question about needing a degree. A college degree is much more than a piece of paper to get you a job or get you started in your career. Most of us are not in the career we studied in school. However, I didn't learn this until I finished college. College is one of the easiest ways to get connections. You have the opportunity to socialize with other like minded individuals who may be interested and/or have the same background as yourself when it comes to real estate. My husband found out his professor was a real estate agent part time. This was before we were even interested in real estate. But he developed a rapport with that professor and was able to learn alot about the industry. You already have a head start, probably more than most of us newbies because you have your parents to help guide you. College is way more than just education. It is one of the best doors to networking you can open.
Margate City, NJ · Member since 2013 · 30 posts · 24 votes
10y
Hello David! Congrats on starting your investing education at such a young age! Let's keep this simple. No, it is not a requirement. It is not a requirement to get an RE license nor buy property. What I would say from my experience is this. Go to college! It is good to continue learning and get it out of the way while you are young. IT IS FUN!! It's not only good for education but for social skills as well; connecting with more people and it's a good transition to life on your own. I think the mistake people make with college is spending to much. I went to a very good, very expensive school. I always loved RE and ended up becoming a realtor and investor after trying to do the corporate thing. I could have went to any school to do what I do now. My school loans were far larger than I expected and took a toll on what I was able to do after college. I would say, go to a school that is not going to financially cripple you when you get out. Keep your debt as low as possible and your credit in good shape. Take courses and continue to educate yourself on the areas you like.