064: Becoming a Successful Real Estate Agent and Blogger with Paul Sian

On this episode of the InvestFourMore Real Estate Podcast, I interview Paul Sian. Paul is a real estate agent and a real estate investor. Paul started out part-time as a real estate agent and has become very successful in the blogging niche. Paul works on his own as an agent now, but is looking to hire an assistant to build his business. He has also invested in rentals properties and is looking to start flipping homes as well in the Ohio and Kentucky area.

How did Paul get started as a real estate agent?

Paul Sian was going to law school in Michigan when he first got his real estate license. He did not use his license much and actually ended up moving to Ohio while in the military. Paul had to get his license again since he was in a new state and had not kept his Michigan license active. Paul met a broker in Cincinnati whom he really liked and began to work with him part-time as an agent. Paul became licensed in Kentucky as well as Ohio, because Cincinnati is so close the Kentucky state line. Paul loved being an agent and has always focused on the technology aspect of the business.

How was Paul able to be successful part-time?

Paul had a pretty flexible schedule and other agents who could help him when needed. It is tough to be a part-time agent when you have no help and a strict schedule where you cannot return calls. Paul used his sphere of influence to get started in the business, but also started blogging about real estate very early in his career. He loved writing and has built a very successful real estate blog: Cincinkyrealestate.com. Paul put a lot of work into writing about real estate, his local area, and then promoting it through social media. Paul loves to use Facebook, Twitter, Google + and other social media sites to reach as many people as he can.

Paul started out part-time working with buyers, but has moved into real estate full time working with buyers and sellers. One of his next steps is to hire an assistant so he can continue to grow his business.

How has Paul used his real estate license to invest in rentals?

Paul is not only an agent, but a real estate investor as well. He owns a couple of multifamily properties and is starting to flip houses as well. In his area he can buy 3 or 4 unit properties that will rent from $1,500 to $2,000 a month for under $100,000. He has found a contractor to partner with flipping houses as well. Paul has a huge advantage investing in real estate because he is in an agent. It is easier for him to find and value properties.

What tips does Paul have for those wanting to become real estate agents?

Becoming an agent is a big decision and many people fail in the business. They don’t fail because real estate is terribly difficult, but because they don’t have the right training or motivation. Paul suggests getting your real estate license in a classroom if possible. The classes are usually taught by an experienced agent, and it is a great way to network and learn from someone who has been successful in the business. Paul also suggests not waiting to find a broker until after you get your real estate license. You should be looking for brokers and working on your business as soon as you know you are going to become an agent. Finding the right broker can be the difference between success and failure.

How can you contact Paul?

Paul loves to work with people looking for personal homes or investment properties. You can find him on his blog Cincinkyrealestate.com or call him at 513-560-8002