Career Advice

Originally Posted by el borracho

Nothing is as easy as it appears on television. That doesn't mean that it isn't possible or that you shouldn't try it. Or maybe you have tried it.

Perhaps you could become a real estate agent?

Now that's something I've STRONGLY considered.

[NewChief]

Originally Posted by Phobia

Now that's something I've STRONGLY considered.

Yeah, I was going to say real estate as well. I also might try to invest in some properties as rentals. It's not going to have immediate returns, but 20 years down the road you'll have your retirement set up for you.

I completely understand the problem with construction. The end game is pretty grim. Neither of my brothers have any sort of retirement package set up at all. One of them is in the same boat as you: knows he can't be doing it until he's 60 and looking for something else. The other one is oblivious and will work himself into the grave.

[KC Jones]

Originally Posted by Phobia

Now that's something I've STRONGLY considered.

Here's my take on the real estate related careers...

I could be wrong, but IMHO there's been a bit of a housing bubble lately due to low rates, and everybody plus their cousin's weasel got in on mortgage refinancing. Bottom line? It's time for a correction and slow down with quite a few foreclosures due to people overspending on variable rates and other creative deals they couldn't really afford. In other words, now may not be the best time to get into this market segment. I know the KC market is sucking ass right now - a buddy of mine just decided to move back there to go back to school and downsize. They got a place for $250k off of 58th and Wornall that sold for $280k two years ago.

However, if you had capital now might be a good time to pick up property cheap. Get in on the rental game as someone else suggested. It's a long term play unfortunately and like I said either requires some capital, access to someone with capital, or risky financing. However, if you want to you could start at the bottom - buying places that are falling apart, fire damaged, etc. in not so good neighborhoods and turning them into section 8 rentals.