Thread: Happy 2012: I'm back!

Originally Posted by G_Alexander

Hello my Fastlane Brothas (and sistas); I’m back!

I guess I was never really “gone-gone” in the first place, but I haven’t been around much and it is because I was hard at work making many good things occur.

Over the past two years, a lot has changed. When I was 19, I posted about my first mobile home deal here at the fastlane. The deal (and new company) led to me beating out 50 other businesses on campus to win an entrepreneurship contest for $5,000. With the cash I was able to implement a second deal, flip several iPhones on Craigslist and land a J.O.B. (gasp!) in Investment Banking at Merrill Lynch after a summer internship.

I know I know…the J.O.B. thing. ”Why,” you ask, “would I want to go into the ‘real world’?” Well, I’ll tell you: I don't.

My job in Investment Banking will teach me everything and more that I need to know about ultra-solid cash flow analysis and company capital structure and financing techniques. Because the job is in Chicago (affordable), and not New York, I will be purchasing a 4-unit apartment building under FHA financing this spring. I will live in one unit and rent out the other 3 to build equity while I work.

My analyst stint is only two years long, it pays more than any other job you can get coming out of college and I will be saving every dime to purchase a 50+ unit apartment building once I am done with my time there. My goal is to own 50+ units at 24 years old while simultaneously launching a massive apartment investment fund and a solar solutions business.

I know some people may think I should just keep on doing mobile home deals, increasing my cash flow and staying away from working for someone else. I admit, I have thought about this at times, but nothing gives you validation with investors like investment banking does. The only reason I am working THIS job is because the two-year aspect of it is attractive. After two years in banking, I’m out on my ass and will be forced to be an entrepreneur again…or join the 40-hr/week rat race for life – the latter will NEVER happen so the former is my only option.

I believe this job is just one stepping stone to making it even easier to raise capital in the future and to instill confidence in people who invest in projects with me.

I would like to hear what my friend’s here at the Fastlane think about my plan. Constructive criticism is appreciated. Or if you just want to say hello that works great too! I am happy to talk with anyone who is at all interested in investment banking, mobile home deals, apartments, and iPhone flipping as well.

Look forward to the usual thought provoking and money making discussions that go on here at the Fastlane!!

G_Alexander

Solid logic! Good luck!

I don't think anyone would look down on you for working at an investment bank firm! It's a smart move! As long as you don't get stuck for 40 years!

Even if you did get stuck their for a while, it's still a great gig that gives you opportunity to create wealth!

There is no shame in earning a living legally. Investment banking is probably one of the most lucrative position and it will teach a lot. Better than almost any job you could get out of college for fastlane purposes.