Page 14 - HomeFit.17 - Hakola

From the desk of Dan Landers

Dear Dan Landers,

This past May I graduated from college and I am actively pursuing my pot of gold. I’ve landed a good job,
and I recently closed on a condo. My question is this: The condo next to me is pretty run down, and it’s on
the market for less than half what I paid for mine. I’m not in a relationship right now, and my schedule after
work is pretty free. I’ve been toying with the idea of buying the condo, fixing it up, and renting it out. My big
brother is a real estate agent, and he’s begun flipping houses. I’ve been really impressed with how it’s working
for him, and I see no reason I couldn’t do the same thing. I feel sure I could double my investment. The only
problem with the idea is that I am up to my eyeballs in student loan payments, and with my car payment and
mortgage on top of that, I’m a bit hesitant.

Do you think I should jump on the opportunity? My brother is really encouraging me to do it, but he doesn’t
really know anything about my finances. He tells me to miss a deal like this is like throwing money away,
especially when he’s willing to help me. Thanks in advance for your advice.

Strapped,

Starr

To Invest or Not to

Invest: That is the

Question

Hi Strapped Starr,

Congratulations on graduating from college! Before I
answer your question, let me make something clear.
I know as a newbie to the business world it may seem
like you need to move quickly to measure up to all the
people around you, but let me tell you, it’s a mistake.

Your older brother, your parents, your coworkers,
whoever - although it may seem that now as a newcomer
in the “real world” you need to catch up to them as
quickly as possible, that’s really not the case. Life
takes time.

Everything your parents have today has taken them years
and years to acquire. Don’t fall into the same trap
so many young people do and think you’re a failure if
you can’t measure up to other adults yet. Experience

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