New Member from Hartford, CT

[Greg Ouellette]

Hey everyone, my name is Greg Ouellette and I'm new to real estate investment. I'm a somewhat recent college grad who's been working as an application developer for the past 3 years. Unfortunately my student loans have made it difficult for me to really invest or save much but after reading up on real estate investment I now see there are many ways in which I can afford to begin my investment career. I'm still not quite ready to make that first deal but I'm looking to make some connections for possible mentors or even partners in the future. Right now I'm renting and I want to get out as soon as I can. I think the best way to do that would be to buy a multifamily home, live in one unit and rent the rest to pay for my living expenses. Any advice on how to pursue that first deal is greatly appreciated.

[Filipe Pereira]

Originally posted by @Greg Ouellette:

Hey everyone, my name is Greg Ouellette and I'm new to real estate investment. I'm a somewhat recent college grad who's been working as an application developer for the past 3 years. Unfortunately my student loans have made it difficult for me to really invest or save much but after reading up on real estate investment I now see there are many ways in which I can afford to begin my investment career. I'm still not quite ready to make that first deal but I'm looking to make some connections for possible mentors or even partners in the future. Right now I'm renting and I want to get out as soon as I can. I think the best way to do that would be to buy a multifamily home, live in one unit and rent the rest to pay for my living expenses. Any advice on how to pursue that first deal is greatly appreciated.

Hi Greg, welcome to BiggerPockets! Hard to go wrong on a site as helpful as this one.  

I take great enjoyment in meeting with folks who are just getting started. Like you, I am "recent" college grad (C/O 2016). I have a couple of investment properties in the greater Hartford area, and have done a career change to being a full time realtor and property manager here in Connecticut. 

I agree with your inclination to get into a Multi-family residence (MFR) so that you can enjoy some of the benefits of "house hacking" as we call it around here, namely having others pay your mortgage for you!

My advice on pursuing your first deal is to live on a budget as you save up your down payment money as well as finding an agent that invests him or herself and thus truly understands how the REI market works. The more local, the better! Feel free to message me with any questions you might have.

Good on you for taking the first step and "showing up"! 

-Filipe