Newbie from Phoenix - Options for Hands-on Experience?

Question

Hi Everyone! I just joined BP after being a long time visitor/lurker. I've been interested in REI for a while, but just now getting serious. I got my AZ license about 18 months ago purely out of curiosity and wanting to learn more (hanging inactive). I'm currently the CRM/Sales Ops Manager for a local business. Some of my hobbies include snowboarding, cycling, hiking, reading, and cooking.

My job is mostly remote and I've seriously decreased my workload through automation, so I'm looking for something else to do that will give me good hands-on experience in the REI world, and ideally earn some extra $ on the side.  My first thought is to find an REI firm in need of someone to manage their CRM (Salesforce, Zoho, etc) as that's something where I already have the skills and would be able to learn a lot just from watching deals go through.  My second thought is joining up with a wholesaler such as Networth Realty or the like as an agent.

The downside to the first option is it seems to be hard to find these jobs.  The potential downside to the second option is I don't know how they'd feel about the fact that I technically have another full-time job (though I spend minimal hours on it).

Any input or suggestions is 100% appreciated! Glad to be here and looking forward to this adventure

Justin Windham · Answer

@Jamie Oliver

Welcome to Bigger Pockets!

This is a great place to learn and network. A lot of forum members are very knowledgeable in their respective fields related to real estate investing, whether that is real estate sales, wholesaling, flipping, rentals, lending, self-directed IRA and Solo 401k investing, or tax and legal guidance.

Dmitriy Fomichenko · Answer

@Jamie Oliver

Welcome to the BP family! Glad you joined the best real estate investing website! Here are some recommendations for you:

Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: https://www.biggerpockets.com/search/usersSet up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsRead Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investingCheck out BP Podcasts: https://www.biggerpockets.com/podcast

Wishing you the best!

Craig Curelop · Answer

Hi Jamie. Welcome to our group BiggerPockets!

Real Estate Industry is a great potential for growth and life balance.  And your starting point as a real estate investor is right here.  All your questions can be answered in BiggerPockets site. Just ask!  Here are the recommendations I can initially give you:

1.     Subscribe to the BiggerPockets Money and Rookie Podcasts

2.     Attend the FREE WEBINARS

3.     Attend a Meetup in Your Area

4.     Purchase the Beginner Books: How to Invest in Real Estate, Set for Life, The House Hacking Strategy

5.     Peruse the forums! Ask questions! Answer Questions!

Consistency is the key. Continuous learning and searching with the help of experts in the industry over the next 4-6 months, you’ll get more extra $ earning in NO TIME at your convenience!

Best regards,

Craig Curelop

Michael Rivers · Answer

@Jamie Oliver

I am just getting into the REI world as well in Boston and have had some luck going to local meet ups and networking as well as taking other investors for coffee etc.  A few have been open to some mentoring if I am helping find them deals and then shadowing them throughout the process.

I am hoping to be able to transition that model into then partnering on deals and eventually developing my own network to take on deals myself.

But definitely continue going to networking events when they happen, figuring out who you need to be a part of your network, and building it out from there.

Good luck

Anthony Angotti · Answer

@Jamie Oliver

What I did to get started was to work for free for another agent that is also an investor. I helped her with marketing and everything and got a lot of experience that way.

Additionally I know that a lot of wholesalers are always looking for people to drive for dollars, door knock, stuff mailers, whatever. If you offer to do the grunt work for free or not a lot of money you can pick their brain a bit and learn a lot of information that will help you in your endeavors.

Jamie Oliver · Answer

Thanks @Michael Rivers.  I am certainly planning to join such groups as soon as this mess passes.

@Anthony Angotti Solid ideas, thank you.

Newbie from Phoenix - Options for Hands-on Experience?

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