What should be the next step for me?Newbie

Question

I’m currently a teen working on building my credit and working two jobs and reading books to be able to pursue my RE career, I’m wondering should I / is it possible to seek a mentor before age 18? Also is RE school recommend to strengthen my knowledge to become successful?
Id love to listen to advice and how you got started!

Bobby Nilsen · Answer

@Katelyn Mesa

Awesome that you are learning about real estate so soon. RE school is good if you are talking about a degree in some type real estate major, planning, real estate or even entrepreneurship.

In college I started out by reading a lot of real estate and business books, went to a lot of the real estate expos, that’s where I knew real estate is what I wanted to do, and got my real estate license. I dropped out of school a few times to have my hand at it but to this date have never bought or sold a house for someone as an agent. I have actually sold and bought more than most agents for myself.

In college I would have said an education doesn’t dictate whether you are successful or not, as you can tell by me having dropped out 3 times with no success in real estate. I ended up getting my B.S. and then an MBA. After the MBA I worked for a few years and then left the 9-5 and have been in real estate for the last 4 yrs. Knock on wood I’ll never go back to the 9-5. Being successful in real estate is harder than getting your degree.

Get a mentor, get an education, read a ton of books, and you will be on an adventure for the rest of your life. Reach out if you would like to chat.

Dan Sheeks · Answer

Hi @Katelyn Mesa

Congrats to you for your ambition! I work with a bunch of young aspiring real estate investors just like you (in a free online group), and I am willing to help you out with some advice or even chat on the phone if you wish. I'm not sure how old you are, but I recommend you read this article I wrote for Bigger Pockets titled How to Invest in Real Estate Before Turning 21. Once you've read it, let me know your thoughts and if you have any questions. I am a high school teacher in Colorado and I am always looking to help young people get started in real estate investing or help in any way I can. Let me know if you want to chat sometime. https://www.biggerpockets.com/...

Will Fraser · Answer

Hi @Katelyn Mesa, welcome to the BiggerPockets forums!  You're taking good steps towards the future here and you're zeal is clear.

You can certainly seek a mentor before you are 18, but please PLEASE do not pay for a mentor.  There are countless hoards of people who would love to sell you their mentorship or mastermind group, but it's likely that you need to find a simple path to grow along, then grow along it excellently.

RE school is NOT useful for learning about real estate.  If you are referring to the place you go to get a license, it has very little to do with the day to day activity of real estate until you get to the Broker license level (years after the initial license course).  You'd be better off learning from BP (the bookstore, youtube/podcast, or the forums) and getting your feet wet in investing.

Work hard, and be patient.  A patient pursuit of excellence will trump most other things in life.