All Forum Posts by: Julian P.

Howdy fellow pro members.  I wasn't sure where to fit this post in (there are so many forum topic areas) so I decided to post it in the exclusive pro area since, hopefully, those with pro accounts are as serious as I am when it comes to real estate investing and can offer better advice to a beginning investor like myself.

I just wanted to gauge your thoughts on whether or not a degree in real estate or a degree in finance with a concentration in real estate is something you think would be worth doing.  A little bit about myself...I am a Navy Veteran (just got out 2 months ago) and have a GI Bill that I can use to go to college and earn my bachelor degree for free.  Since separating from the military and now beginning a new chapter in my life, I have been thinking a lot about what I want to do...what my passions are, what my goals are, etc..  In the end, my ultimate goal is to have a strong source of passive income so I can really have the freedom to enjoy life on my own terms and I believe investing in real estate is the way to go.  Since I can go to college for free, I have been thinking about using my GI Bill to get a degree in something that will benefit me in terms of getting closer to my real estate investing goals.  I had never known that such a thing as a degree in real estate existed until I found it as a degree program on Virginia Commonwealth University's website (on of the colleges I have looked at attending).  I guess it leads to being a realtor or something along those lines.  There are also finance degrees at almost every college where you can choose to specialize in things such as real estate.  If anyone can comment on any experiences with a real estate degree vs. a finance degree with a concentration in real estate and how you think it could either help or hinder someone, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks everyone and I hope you all have a safe and wonderful holiday!

Eric,

I am new to the game but was reading a great article the other day about this.  Depending on what your budget is and what shape the property is in there are a few things you can do right away to help improve the value and (also important) give it more of a home like feel which will make tenants feel good about their decision to rent from you.  The article is titled 4 HGTV-Level Upgrades to Make Your Flip Stand Out.  You can search for it on BiggerPockets.  Basically it talks about paint, floors, fixtures and windows.

I am a vet looking to use my VA loan to do the same thing as you. Good luck!

Thanks Ryan.  I am signed up for a webinar on Dec. 21 to learn about everything the site has to offer.

Kate,  welcome as well.  I'll take a look at your post too.

Hello to everyone in the BP community!  I am new to this site and look forward to learning more about my interest in buying rental properties.