I will give you my experience. My brother when in college bought an old house and worked on it while renting out some rooms to other students. Or, I know of 1 guy, with help of his parents bought a 2 family, so him and 1 or 2 housemates live in one side while renting out the other side. It is a great way to learn, and at the same time help cover expenses. By the time you graduate you could have a nice little property worth a little $$ that could help you relocate, or get further along in your investing career. Now, think about it, if you had just rented you would have thrown your money away for 4 years. As for being taken serious, learn as much as you can, and stay determined and confident that it can be done. It’s not always easy, My brother and I (27 and 22 at the time ) have been refused entry to one four unit by the owner, who thought we were to young. Even today, I’m 32, and I still get comments “you’re to young to be in this business” Just keep going.
I am a college student looking into real estate investment as funding for my education. I would appreciate references to help me get started. I have taken a few economics classes only and have basic knowledge about cash flow. So consider me a beginner when making your choices about books, seminars, etc. Also, I believe I can suceed in this field, the only question I have is will others take me seriously seeing that I am only 20 years old.
Re: College Student Looking for Advice - Posted by NewComer
Posted by NewComer on August 31, 1999 at 01:12:59:
I hope things for you come along. I too, find myself a little lost. I have been doing a lot of reading at the book store. But I hope if you get any information you could pass it to me.
In my opinion it is much more your knowledge, your persistence, and your self-esteem than your age that will determine your success. I bought my first rental property at age 22 and just 4 months out of college and very “wet behind the ears.” It was very similar to what Jeff described below. It was a 2-family, I lived in one side and rented out the other side. Read through the success stories. There are many young people who have posted stories there.