Starting your real estate journey at a young age can feel intimidating. Most people think you need decades of experience or a huge amount of money, but that’s not true. I’m LG The New Construction Guy, and at just 20 years old, I bought my first duplex in Tallahassee—a move that changed my life and set me on a path to nearly two decades of real estate success. Today, I help buyers, sellers, and investors navigate the same journey I once took.
My First Real Estate Investment:
At 20, I realized something funny: I couldn’t legally buy liquor, but I could buy real estate. That discovery sparked a pivotal moment in my life. I purchased a duplex, lived on one side, and rented out the other. The rental income covered my mortgage, effectively allowing me to live rent-free while building equity.
This experience taught me several key lessons:
Smart Leverage: Using other people’s money (in this case, my tenant’s rent) to build wealth is one of the fastest ways to grow financially.
Hands-On Learning: There’s no better teacher than experience. Managing my first property taught me about repairs, tenant relations, and budgeting in ways books never could.
Patience Pays Off: Real estate isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme. The key is long-term thinking and consistent effort.
How You Can Start Young:
Start Small: You don’t need a mansion or luxury condo. Duplexes, small single-family homes, or condos are perfect entry points.
Educate Yourself: Learn about mortgages, interest rates, cash flow, and property management. Knowledge is your best investment.
Build Your Team: Mentors, Realtors®, contractors, and lenders are essential. Surround yourself with experts who guide you.
Understand Your Market: Knowing the neighborhoods, schools, and community growth trends is critical. As someone who knows Tallahassee and Crawfordville intimately, I guide clients toward the most profitable areas.
Conclusion:
Starting your real estate journey at a young age is entirely possible. With careful planning, education, and support from a knowledgeable professional, you can replicate my early success. Whether you’re buying your first home, considering a duplex, or exploring investment properties, I’m here to guide you step by step. Real estate isn’t just about buying property—it’s about building financial freedom and creating opportunities that last a lifetime.
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