At 19, most people (myself included) just don't have enough experience to fully know what their style / skills / interests / goals are (but, don't worry, most people start figuring that out through their 20s as they gain more experience).Ten years from now, you could be flipping residential homes, developing commercial real estate, operating STRs, investing in land, consulting on triple net deals, or any number of the other real estate niches...but, at your age, you may not yet have the experience to know which of the many REI niches best suits your skills/interests/goals/etc.

I'm not just talking about underwriters here, but every single role on our team.I believe that underwriting requires a certain skill set and mindset, often attracting individuals with an analytical and detail-oriented nature.

I plan to use these skills to build a rental portfolio that will help fund my retirement in 15 years.

Hi @James SmithAll strategies that you described will require different skills sets and it will depend on what you are looking for as a goal.This is brief summary:- Flipping, this is for immediate cash flow, it hits hard in your taxes because it is a short term investment.- Turnkey, this will work best on long term investment.

It’s already paying off—and will continue to for decades.What Went Wrong• Neighborhood issues• Construction period extension denied• Rehab 2× over budget• 2.5-year timeline• Stress, doubt, and constant cash injectionsWhat Went Right• I didn’t quit• We completely revitalized a neglected pocket• Cash flow is strong• I gained multi-unit, heavy-rehab experience that now makes everything else easier• The area is now a feeder for future BTR and infill dealsMy TakeawayEverything that could go wrong did.But finishing the job created lasting value, for the neighborhood, for my portfolio, and for my own skill set.

Now I work with tons of agents and know how they are, but in this business you learn that a GC (general contractor) comes in different shapes, sizes, and social skills.

Where the skills need to come in are the lines after those first two questions you ask, it is like working out; the more you workout the more fit you are and the better you feel. 

Even with years of RE experience, I know the investing side is a different skill set, and I’m motivated to learn it the right way.I’m especially looking to connect with:• Wholesalers in Staten Island• Local investors doing flips or BRRRR• Anyone open to sharing advice or partnering on opportunitiesI’m straightforward, numbers-focused, and hungry to take action.Excited to this big community. 

Which method will maximize my existing skill set and/or is most contractor-reliant?

Welcome @Dylan Jashari sounds like you are a nice set of skills for some of the behind the scenes work.