New to Investing in Real Estate: Ready to Learn

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New to Investing in Real Estate: Ready to Learn

Kyle LeachPro Member
New to Real Estate · Delran, NJ · Member since 2026 · 6 posts · 5 votes

Hey Everyone!

I'm just getting myself into Real Estate Investing! I live in Delran, NJ. Currently I'm a flight attendant so I'm always on the go. I'm looking to get into Real estate investing as a way to supplement my income. I'm very green in the industry so any directions are great leads in my mind. I've been reading and listening to podcasts and have tossed around the idea of attending the BPCON as a way to get myself out there and really connect with the community. I'm looking for mentors. 

I did find out my neighbor across the street is a real estate agent and a property manager as well. So I'm hoping to connect with him in time as a contact to help with getting my feet wet. 

As for the direction I'm looking to go to is small multi-family rentals. I'm thinking of looking into House hacking as I'm constantly on the move so I'm open to markets anywhere when I'm finally in the thick of it. But I feel my first purchase should be close to home to try to keep everything localized. 

An idea that I've been tossing around in my noggin has been to do with commuters. More along the lines of Flight attendants and pilots. I'm thinking of doing something like turning a multi-family into a short term rental near the airports to help support them and others that are in the travel for work sector. I know that's a ways down the line, but that's the realm I would ultimately like to get into. 

Any help with a direction to look in or possibly an opening into a potential mentorship so that I can see how this world works would be greatly appreciated.

Warmest Regards

~Kyle

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Dmitriy Fomichenko
Solo 401k Expert · Anaheim Hills, CA · Member since 2012 · 18k+ posts · 6k+ votes
2mo

Hello Kyle, It's great to have you here!

Set up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alerts

I hope BP helps you achieve your goals!

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  • Caleb Brown
    Real Estate Agent · Kansas City · Member since 2018 · 4k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    2mo

    I would continue to learn and connect. House hacking a 2-4 unit is a great start. Find an agent, lender and property manager then take the leap

    0Reply
    • Kyle LeachPro Member
      OP
      New to Real Estate · Delran, NJ · Member since 2026 · 6 posts · 5 votes
      2mo
      Quote from @Caleb Brown:

      I would continue to learn and connect. House hacking a 2-4 unit is a great start. Find an agent, lender and property manager then take the leap




      Thanks Caleb! House hacking a 2-4 unit is definitely the direction I'm leaning for my first move. I actually have a neighbor who's both an agent and property manager, so hoping to start building that team locally. Appreciate the straightforward advice!
      0Reply
  • Mohammed Rahman
    Real Estate Broker · New York, NY · Member since 2020 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2mo

    Welcome to the community, Kyle.

    It sounds like you're taking the right approach by focusing on education and networking before jumping into a deal. One thing I'd add is to make sure that agent/property manager you're considering working with has experience working with investors. An investor-friendly agent can be a huge asset, especially when you're new.

    I'd also start asking around your workplace. Some of the best connections and mentorship opportunities come from people already in your network.

    I'm a real estate broker based in NYC and Long Island. Happy to share ideas and answer questions. Feel free to reach out anytime, my DMs are always open.

    0Reply
    • Kyle LeachPro Member
      OP
      New to Real Estate · Delran, NJ · Member since 2026 · 6 posts · 5 votes
      2mo
      Quote from @Mohammed Rahman:

      Welcome to the community, Kyle.

      It sounds like you're taking the right approach by focusing on education and networking before jumping into a deal. One thing I'd add is to make sure that agent/property manager you're considering working with has experience working with investors. An investor-friendly agent can be a huge asset, especially when you're new.

      I'd also start asking around your workplace. Some of the best connections and mentorship opportunities come from people already in your network.

      I'm a real estate broker based in NYC and Long Island. Happy to share ideas and answer questions. Feel free to reach out anytime, my DMs are always open.




      Really appreciate that, Mohammed — great point about making sure any agent I work with actually has investor experience. That's something I hadn't fully thought through. I'll definitely keep that in mind when I connect with my neighbor. And yes, I've already started putting feelers out at work. I'll keep your offer to connect in mind, thank you!
      0Reply
  • Dmitriy Fomichenko
    Solo 401k Expert · Anaheim Hills, CA · Member since 2012 · 18k+ posts · 6k+ votes
    2mo

    Hello Kyle, It's great to have you here!

    Set up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alerts

    I hope BP helps you achieve your goals!

    1Reply
    • Kyle LeachPro Member
      OP
      New to Real Estate · Delran, NJ · Member since 2026 · 6 posts · 5 votes
      2mo
      Quote from @Dmitriy Fomichenko:

      Hello Kyle, It's great to have you here!

      Set up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alerts

      I hope BP helps you achieve your goals!




      Thank you Dmitriy! I just set up my keyword alerts — great tip. Really appreciate the warm welcome and looking forward to learning as much as I can here!
      0Reply
  • Alexandra Hughes PailetPro Member
    🎉 Director of Events at BiggerPockets · Denver, CO · Member since 2016 · 423 posts · 435 votes
    2mo
    Quote from @Kyle Leach:

    Hey Everyone!

    I'm just getting myself into Real Estate Investing! I live in Delran, NJ. Currently I'm a flight attendant so I'm always on the go. I'm looking to get into Real estate investing as a way to supplement my income. I'm very green in the industry so any directions are great leads in my mind. I've been reading and listening to podcasts and have tossed around the idea of attending the BPCON as a way to get myself out there and really connect with the community. I'm looking for mentors. 

    I did find out my neighbor across the street is a real estate agent and a property manager as well. So I'm hoping to connect with him in time as a contact to help with getting my feet wet. 

    As for the direction I'm looking to go to is small multi-family rentals. I'm thinking of looking into House hacking as I'm constantly on the move so I'm open to markets anywhere when I'm finally in the thick of it. But I feel my first purchase should be close to home to try to keep everything localized. 

    An idea that I've been tossing around in my noggin has been to do with commuters. More along the lines of Flight attendants and pilots. I'm thinking of doing something like turning a multi-family into a short term rental near the airports to help support them and others that are in the travel for work sector. I know that's a ways down the line, but that's the realm I would ultimately like to get into. 

    Any help with a direction to look in or possibly an opening into a potential mentorship so that I can see how this world works would be greatly appreciated.

    Warmest Regards

    ~Kyle


     Welcome, Kyle! We'd love to see you at BPCON! You can use code FORUMS for $100 off the early bird rate at BiggerPockets.com/conference

    Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!  [email protected] 

    BiggerPockets
    0Reply
  • Wale LawalBusiness Member
    Real Estate Broker · Houston | Dallas | Austin, TX · Member since 2018 · 5k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    2mo

    @Kyle Leach

    By looking at how your professional experience translates to real estate investment, you are thinking like an investor already. My recommendation would be to look for ways to secure yourself the first small multifamily investment close to where you live, learn the basics of being a landlord and analyzing deals, as well as build your network in the area your neighbor could prove to be a good source. Your idea about pilot and flight attendant housing is a good niche, though.

    Good luck!

    [email protected]832-776-9582Podcast Guest on Show #469
    NETWORTH BUILDERS5236 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    0Reply
    • Kyle LeachPro Member
      OP
      New to Real Estate · Delran, NJ · Member since 2026 · 6 posts · 5 votes
      2mo
      Quote from @Wale Lawal:

      @Kyle Leach

      By looking at how your professional experience translates to real estate investment, you are thinking like an investor already. My recommendation would be to look for ways to secure yourself the first small multifamily investment close to where you live, learn the basics of being a landlord and analyzing deals, as well as build your network in the area your neighbor could prove to be a good source. Your idea about pilot and flight attendant housing is a good niche, though.

      Good luck!


       Thank you Wale! That's encouraging to hear — I figured my industry background might translate well but wasn't sure if it was just wishful thinking. I'll stay focused on locking in that first small multifamily close to home and use my neighbor as a resource while I get the landlord basics down. And yeah, the pilot/FA housing niche feels like a long-term play that I'm genuinely excited about. Appreciate the kind words!

      0Reply
    • Wale LawalBusiness Member
      Real Estate Broker · Houston | Dallas | Austin, TX · Member since 2018 · 5k+ posts · 2k+ votes
      2mo
      Quote from @Kyle Leach:
      Quote from @Wale Lawal:

      @Kyle Leach

      By looking at how your professional experience translates to real estate investment, you are thinking like an investor already. My recommendation would be to look for ways to secure yourself the first small multifamily investment close to where you live, learn the basics of being a landlord and analyzing deals, as well as build your network in the area your neighbor could prove to be a good source. Your idea about pilot and flight attendant housing is a good niche, though.

      Good luck!


       Thank you Wale! That's encouraging to hear — I figured my industry background might translate well but wasn't sure if it was just wishful thinking. I'll stay focused on locking in that first small multifamily close to home and use my neighbor as a resource while I get the landlord basics down. And yeah, the pilot/FA housing niche feels like a long-term play that I'm genuinely excited about. Appreciate the kind words!


      You’re on the right path. Those that construct a portfolio for the long-term always get the fundamentals right before moving into the specific niches. Keep on using your local connections and getting experience – your aviation niche will remain the same even after you develop your skills.
      [email protected]832-776-9582Podcast Guest on Show #469
      NETWORTH BUILDERS5236 Reviews
      WebsiteView Page
      0Reply
  • Jeff Roth
    Real Estate Consultant · Ann Arbor, MI · Member since 2022 · 460 posts · 250 votes
    2mo

    Hi Kyle from Delran, NJ-

    Great question! You are in the airline industry so travel a lot and are looking to get into real estate investing. You are thinking about house hacking and renting out rooms or other units of the house you live in or buying properties near the airports for people in the same industry or traveling like you.

    I think both ideas could work and you might consider doing both. 

    The idea of short-term rentals near the airport for commuter traffic is interesting as it is a lifestyle you are familiar with and a particular community you understand and can solve a problem and serve a need for this specific group-worth exploring.

    Happy to help!

    0Reply
    • Kyle LeachPro Member
      OP
      New to Real Estate · Delran, NJ · Member since 2026 · 6 posts · 5 votes
      2mo
      Quote from @Jeff Roth:

      Hi Kyle from Delran, NJ-

      Great question! You are in the airline industry so travel a lot and are looking to get into real estate investing. You are thinking about house hacking and renting out rooms or other units of the house you live in or buying properties near the airports for people in the same industry or traveling like you.

      I think both ideas could work and you might consider doing both. 

      The idea of short-term rentals near the airport for commuter traffic is interesting as it is a lifestyle you are familiar with and a particular community you understand and can solve a problem and serve a need for this specific group-worth exploring.

      Happy to help!




      Thanks Jeff! It's good to hear both ideas have legs. I think you're right that doing both isn't out of the question — start with house hacking locally to learn the fundamentals, then eventually work toward the airport short-term rental niche once I have some experience under my belt. It's a community I know well, so it does feel like a natural fit. Appreciate the encouragement!
      0Reply
  • Michael Crouse
    Rental Property Investor · IL · Member since 2026 · 11 posts · 1 vote
    2mo

    Welcome! My question in regards to the short term rentals for flight crew is this, do most airlines have established relationships with hotels where they generally put up their staff, or do the staff book their own reservations where you could actually get some tenants?

    A few concerns of mine would be Many larger airports have hotels close to them where it is convenient for staff to stay so they can get on the next flight, finding apartments close to these airports could be difficult, expensive, and pose a logistics problem for staff that are coming in just for the night, not to mention your turn over would be very high. Lots of cleaning every day and heavy advertising expense. 

    0Reply
  • Stevan Stojakovic
    Financial Advisor · FL · Member since 2024 · 441 posts · 99 votes
    2mo

    Hey Kyle,

    Welcome to the REI world! Coming from the aviation industry actually gives you a massive unfair advantage,you understand the exact lifestyle, scheduling, and housing pain points of a highly specialized, high-income tenant pool.

    A few quick thoughts for your roadmap:

    • Buy your neighbor a coffee immediately. A local agent who also manages property right across the street is the ultimate real estate sandbox for a beginner.
    • The "Crash Pad" idea is gold. In the industry, targeting pilots and crew members near major hubs (like PHL or EWR) is incredibly lucrative. You’re essentially scaling cash flow by the bed/room rather than the unit.
    • Financing Strategy: For your first house hack, definitely look at standard low-down-payment consumer loans. But as you transition into building out that airport niche as a true business, look into DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loans. They are business-purpose loans that qualify the property based on its rental income, not your personal tax returns, perfect for keeping your capital moving while you're on the go.

    Definitely try to hit BPCON if you can make it work. Get out there, buy people drinks, and ask questions. You've got a killer niche lined up! Good luck!

    1Reply
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