Develop a Marketable Skill or Improve in Real Estate?

Question

Hi! I'm a freshman in college from the Philippines. I currently have a dilemma and I was wondering if the BiggerPockets community could help me. I'm currently 19 years old. I want to acquire my first property and become a landlord before I'm 30 years old. After I graduate, I plan to work and save for the 20% downpayment but I'm having a hard time deciding what to do now. Should I focus first on developing a marketable skill that would allow me to become a freelancer so I could start saving earlier or should I invest my time in learning more about real estate? Thank you for your time and any input would be appreciated.

Andrea Weule · Answer

Don't stress about putting too much any one area.  A little bit does add up over time.  I always have a weekly check in.  Balance what you have going with school and set goals to accomplish other things too.  It doesn't have to be all or nothing.  When you have a busy week, let some things go.  When you have an open week, add a few more items to your priorities!

Carlo Gabriel C. Calderon · Answer

Thank you for the advice, Andrea! I guess I'll also try to find a freelancing skill that could also be connected to real estate. I was just worried that if I put in too much time for both that my studies would be affected. Maybe I just need to set my priorities right.

Andrea Weule · Answer

Do they have to be exclusive?  My thought is develop your skill, especially if it something you enjoy.  If you enjoy it, it's fun and less challenging to learn/do.  You can still learn about real estate over time.  Get a book or two and read a chapter every few days.  Read forums and post questions in here.

Over the next couple years you can learn lots and accomplish as well.  Heck, maybe your freelance skill could be something that helps other investors, so you can grow your RE network as well.