Is it worth it working for free? FYI I'm 16
Member since 2025 · 11 posts · 10 votes
Hello, my name is David, I'm 16 and I want to become a real estate developer when I'm older. It's a very long road ahead and I know that. Recently I've been looking for jobs, I've been asking around my community but nothing's working. I've asked pretty much everyone I know who has anything to do with property development, property management, you name it. I personally value experience over money and I'm willing to work for free but is it worth it? I've thought about going door to door and starting a window washing business but I don't want to do that simply because I don't get experience. Sure, I may get some negotiation experience but I'd rather have work experience. Also, any other general tips are accepted. I take any advice from anyone.
Don't work for free. People either want to help or they don't. And if I need something done, I will hire a professional to do it rather than exploit a young, ambitious high schooler.
And take @Dan Sheeks up on his offer. You know he's an OG with that hotmail email address (not a joke...it is akin to buying your clothes at Costco or driving an old car).
I'd be happy to get on the phone or DM back and forth if you think that it would be helpful. I'm not a developer but have experience with live in flips, long term, mid term, and short term rentals. I have absolutely nothing to sell.
Personally I would avoid working for free. Any interest in doing construction? Someone would likely pay you for that and learning how to fix and price things would be valuable in early years.
Personally I would avoid working for free. Any interest in doing construction? Someone would likely pay you for that and learning how to fix and price things would be valuable in early years.
It will probably take a big pile of money to be a real estate developer.
Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves - work for free???
I don't think there's any type of work that you can do for free, that will teach you how to be a real estate developer.
Without cash, your own cash, and a lot of it, and being such a young age this is a lofty goal.
If you are not from a wealthy family, you might want to consider trying to make as much money as you can as fast as you can and saving it.
And as you've already done meet some of the people who are actively doing this in your community, so they know who you are and you know who they are, and sort of befriend them in a business way over the years.
This will put you in a position of having some money to invest and also having some contacts in the industry.
Good Luck!
It will probably take a big pile of money to be a real estate developer.
Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves - work for free???
I don't think there's any type of work that you can do for free, that will teach you how to be a real estate developer.
Without cash, your own cash, and a lot of it, and being such a young age this is a lofty goal.
If you are not from a wealthy family, you might want to consider trying to make as much money as you can as fast as you can and saving it.
And as you've already done meet some of the people who are actively doing this in your community, so they know who you are and you know who they are, and sort of befriend them in a business way over the years.
This will put you in a position of having some money to invest and also having some contacts in the industry.
Good Luck!
Hey, thanks for the reply. I am unfortunately not from a rich family lol, but I want to go the long run so money is not a top priority for me as of this moment. And by long run I mean getting experience in areas like construction, plumbing, electrical, painting, landscaping, then using the experience to go into flipping houses, saving the money for years, then doing a multi-home development, and doing this also gives me time to study my finances and markets. And like I said, I don't care about money; to me what matters more is succeeding in life, being able to retire my parents, and most importantly to me, helping the world out. I love working hard, I love working till my body falls over, I'm a workaholic and do anything that anyone asks from me. Also, I forgot to mention I live in a state that doesn’t allow under-18s to work in hard labor jobs, but like I also said, I know people who will hire under-18s as long as you work hard. That being said, do you think I should do this? I don't want to choose the wrong path.
It will probably take a big pile of money to be a real estate developer.
Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves - work for free???
I don't think there's any type of work that you can do for free, that will teach you how to be a real estate developer.
Without cash, your own cash, and a lot of it, and being such a young age this is a lofty goal.
If you are not from a wealthy family, you might want to consider trying to make as much money as you can as fast as you can and saving it.
And as you've already done meet some of the people who are actively doing this in your community, so they know who you are and you know who they are, and sort of befriend them in a business way over the years.
This will put you in a position of having some money to invest and also having some contacts in the industry.
Good Luck!
Hey, thanks for the reply. I am unfortunately not from a rich family lol, but I want to go the long run so money is not a top priority for me as of this moment. And by long run I mean getting experience in areas like construction, plumbing, electrical, painting, landscaping, then using the experience to go into flipping houses, saving the money for years, then doing a multi-home development, and doing this also gives me time to study my finances and markets. And like I said, I don't care about money; to me what matters more is succeeding in life, being able to retire my parents, and most importantly to me, helping the world out. I love working hard, I love working till my body falls over, I'm a workaholic and do anything that anyone asks from me. Also, I forgot to mention I live in a state that doesn’t allow under-18s to work in hard labor jobs, but like I also said, I know people who will hire under-18s as long as you work hard. That being said, do you think I should do this? I don't want to choose the wrong path.
Follow your passion (and read Rich Dad Poor if you haven't, it's an easy read).
Hey @David Kovalchuk Great job getting started in real estate at such a young age! I think you should definitely continue to try to secure a job in real estate to expand your knowledge and network. Working for free is not a bad option if you cannot get a paid job in the real estate world, because once they see you are determined and dependable, they will figure out a way to pay you to keep you.
You said you've tried to get a job in property management, property development, and similar fields. But my question would be, did you go to these places IN PERSON? Emails and phone calls don't work. Take a few days to visit a number of these places in person (dress nicely), introduce yourself, and ask if they have any opportunities available for a young, aspiring real estate investor or developer. Visit the places a minimum of three times before giving up.
I have a book (published by BiggerPockets) that you might find helpful. It’s called 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧.
https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/first-to-a-million
I also run a networking group for young aspiring/beginner investors (between 15 and 26 years old), and one of the things we do is have a few Zoom meetings every month. If you'd like to join one sometime (no cost!), just let me know.
Hey @David Kovalchuk Great job getting started in real estate at such a young age! I think you should definitely continue to try to secure a job in real estate to expand your knowledge and network. Working for free is not a bad option if you cannot get a paid job in the real estate world, because once they see you are determined and dependable, they will figure out a way to pay you to keep you.
You said you've tried to get a job in property management, property development, and similar fields. But my question would be, did you go to these places IN PERSON? Emails and phone calls don't work. Take a few days to visit a number of these places in person (dress nicely), introduce yourself, and ask if they have any opportunities available for a young, aspiring real estate investor or developer. Visit the places a minimum of three times before giving up.
I have a book (published by BiggerPockets) that you might find helpful. It’s called 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧.
https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/first-to-a-million
I also run a networking group for young aspiring/beginner investors (between 15 and 26 years old), and one of the things we do is have a few Zoom meetings every month. If you'd like to join one sometime (no cost!), just let me know.
Hey @David Kovalchuk Great job getting started in real estate at such a young age! I think you should definitely continue to try to secure a job in real estate to expand your knowledge and network. Working for free is not a bad option if you cannot get a paid job in the real estate world, because once they see you are determined and dependable, they will figure out a way to pay you to keep you.
You said you've tried to get a job in property management, property development, and similar fields. But my question would be, did you go to these places IN PERSON? Emails and phone calls don't work. Take a few days to visit a number of these places in person (dress nicely), introduce yourself, and ask if they have any opportunities available for a young, aspiring real estate investor or developer. Visit the places a minimum of three times before giving up.
I have a book (published by BiggerPockets) that you might find helpful. It’s called 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧.
https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/first-to-a-million
I also run a networking group for young aspiring/beginner investors (between 15 and 26 years old), and one of the things we do is have a few Zoom meetings every month. If you'd like to join one sometime (no cost!), just let me know.
Hey David. I will send you a DM with info about our Zooms.
Don't work for free. People either want to help or they don't. And if I need something done, I will hire a professional to do it rather than exploit a young, ambitious high schooler.
And take @Dan Sheeks up on his offer. You know he's an OG with that hotmail email address (not a joke...it is akin to buying your clothes at Costco or driving an old car).
I'd be happy to get on the phone or DM back and forth if you think that it would be helpful. I'm not a developer but have experience with live in flips, long term, mid term, and short term rentals. I have absolutely nothing to sell.
Don't work for free. People either want to help or they don't. And if I need something done, I will hire a professional to do it rather than exploit a young, ambitious high schooler.
And take @Dan Sheeks up on his offer. You know he's an OG with that hotmail email address (not a joke...it is akin to buying your clothes at Costco or driving an old car).
I'd be happy to get on the phone or DM back and forth if you think that it would be helpful. I'm not a developer but have experience with live in flips, long term, mid term, and short term rentals. I have absolutely nothing to sell.
Hey, thanks for the reply, and of course I would love to message or call. I sent you my number on message.
I wouldn't hire you either. At 16 you have no real world knowledge or any skills that is marketable. Here is what I would do at your age to reach your goals:
Get a job. Any Job. So I have some income to afford myself as many books I can buy about RE.
This job would also give me real world knowledge of business and customer service.
At 18, study for your RE sales associate license.
With your license in hand, find the number one RE seller in your area. Hang your license with his brokerage, and copy his every move. Seek his mentorship, and split any deal you may come across.
If you do this, by 25, you'd already have ownership of property, and shortly after that, you will be able to become the developer you want to become by leveraging other peoples skills.
I wouldn't hire you either. At 16 you have no real world knowledge or any skills that is marketable. Here is what I would do at your age to reach your goals:
Get a job. Any Job. So I have some income to afford myself as many books I can buy about RE.
This job would also give me real world knowledge of business and customer service.
At 18, study for your RE sales associate license.
With your license in hand, find the number one RE seller in your area. Hang your license with his brokerage, and copy his every move. Seek his mentorship, and split any deal you may come across.
If you do this, by 25, you'd already have ownership of property, and shortly after that, you will be able to become the developer you want to become by leveraging other peoples skills.
Thanks for the honesty lol, and thanks for the advice. I currently have some work experience in landscaping, painting, a little in construction—pretty much a little of everything. My family are immigrants, so we do a lot of work, so I'm not working without completely nothing.
I wish there was a way on BiggerPockets to advertise your potential at no cost. Sadly finding work that is introductory requires luck