Not sure if this is the best place for this, but I'm an accounting major, going to graduate college in May 2018. I have a GMAT exam scheduled in early november and after getting my results from that am going to apply to MBA programs. However, right now I have a few decent opportunities in terms of getting a job right after college for accounting firms as a staff accountant. I still have to actually apply and go thru the interview process and all that, but I am confident that if I do I can get in. My thing is that I will be graduating at 120 credit hours, and I will need 150 to qualify for a CPA (Can sit in on the exam at 120 tho). So I will need to go back to school for at least one year to become a CPA, and I don't want to get out of that 'academic mindset' by taking a break in between academics to work

financing the MBA / other masters programs is not a big issue for me. Would you recommend that I just focus on the GMAT and the MBA or should I start applying for jobs and start working right after undergrad?

@Deleted User This is a tough question, however, I understand exactly what you're saying. When I received by BS degree - I immediately went to work because I actually needed the money, and that was my need at that time and place. If I knew I'd by okay, then I would've continued on take the GMAT to enter a graduate program.

Speaking for myself, because I chose going to work - it DID demotivate me from continuing on for higher degrees. And I think it's that way for most people. Now, you may be able to find work that will allow you the flexibility to obtain an MBA. In conclusion, you may want to consider the GMAT as a primary focus because the information is fresh in your head AND you already have current study habits right now.....which tend to also be lost over a period of time away from schooling.

@Deleted User take the job opportunity. good MBA programs value candidates with work experience.. work for a few years and see if you want to do an MBA program after that

your GMAT is good for 5 years after you take the test i believe

Yeah I get you. I'm a decent student, but not one of those with a 4.0 GPA, so its not like I can really afford to lose my current study habits. I'm trying to find internships/jobs that will accommodate myself doing an MBA while working but those and few and far between and doing that is going to tax me a lot in terms of time and energy. I guess i'll apply for a few jobs now but hold off on accepting any offers until I hear back from MBA programs. If I do not get into a good program then i'll work for a few years, but if I get into a good one I might as well finish my education in one fell swoop.

You studs are on top of it. Proud of you guys. That's exactly why I joined IE. Good crowd.

Can someone recommend good reading material for general real-estate investing? I have some spare capital and I'm looking to make it work. I'm already heavily invested in stocks. I have metals and no debt at all. I'm looking for something tangible to invest in, but I want to make sure I get a decent foundation before I start searching for properties.

@Deleted User Check out biggerpockets.com... they have a lot of good books that are easy to understand

they also sell their books on amazon as well

appreciate it!

Random post from the site:

Middletown, CT?

It's a TRS Meme

Enoch tells reporters to meet him at the Taco Bell in Middletown

@Deleted User Hey brother. Just be aware of the pitfalls of residential real estate renting. Lots of hidden expenses and possible headaches. Consider a REIT? Not hard asset, but I have become (was not always) a proponent to sticking within your area of expertise in order to maintain excellent cash flow (via your job), and advancing within, while letting others handle endeavors which you have less expertise in.

That being said, I'm pretty sure at some point I will develop a small tract of land, or at least build some homes in the next 15 years. Indeed, I've even looked at Epcon Communities as a franchise opportunity. Would need partners and I am for sure not ready for that myself yet, but it looks very interesting. TIming will be important, as will location. I actually think there is value in a franchise like this. Zoning and approval help. Marketing strategy. Excellent floor plans and architectural/design plans. A managemnt and trades networking system......

@chris smith-MI I appreciate it! I'm familiar with REITs but I need to revisit their tax advantages. That's one thing that kept me away from them before.

@Deleted User dividends from REITs are taxes at your marginal rate. The idea behind it is REITs are not taxed at the corporate level so all money distributed to you is taxed

Great, thanks @Zyzz !

@Deleted User it's important to keep in mind MBAs programs are about networking rather than getting good grades. MBA program don't really give out failing grades or really even C's

https://poetsandquants.com/2014/02/27/how-mbas-are-graded-at-top-schools/

check out poets and quants for more info on b school

One other question for the shekel-grabbers: what's the recommended way to buy municipal bonds? I can do it through my TD Ameritrade account but it all seems to be secondary market.

@Deleted User I haven't really looked into munis very much but I believe my discount broker (fidelity) allows for investors to buy the original issue as well as on the secondary market. may I ask what interests you in munis?

Is there any chance that anyone in I.E. would like to get together and buy some property? I know that it seems kind of LARPy, and we really don't know each other, so one guy totally fucking everyone else is a real danger, but in the VFP general the other day @Deleted User , Nathan, and some others were talking about it.

I just joined I.E. a week ago, but I've been following you for a while. I was cautious about joining because I was worried about whether or not the risk would affect real change, but this is exactly what I've been looking for. I'm an electrician, but I can do everything from drywall to plumbing. I know there are others who are capable tradesmen as well.

@John O - we should start a new channel aimed at RE investment. each member can have a title (ex: Acquisitions, Construction, Property Management, Sales and Marketing, etc.). With that said I am interested in buying property but we need to talk about (and agree to) a lot of things before we start throwing money at any particular asset. Also, as you know I think the market is frothy and we should sit on our hands until we get a recession of some sorts.

Of course, this is a low time preference endeavor.

We just need to be prepared to strike when the iron is hot.

I want to stay away from a mortgage, and I don't have the money to buy a property outright. I'm close, but I won't be there in the next few years. Also, I'd rather not put my entire savings into a property, so if I could collaborate with 2-4 more people, that would be ideal.

John, agreed 100%. Now is the time to build our war chest(cash) and figure out the details. Do you know how to start a new channel?

I don't know if we should start a new channel. Maybe we should start a new topic in an existing channel. I can see it dropping off and people losing interest from a lack of activity if it were autonomous.

@John M I'm definitely down for it. One thing we can use to protect each other is the fact that we're almost all in IE privately.

If one of us screwed the group over, that person's personal information would be right there.

Plus, getting kicked out of IE would really suck.

I've also been thinking that as IE grows, there would be opportunities for cohousing. I think cohousing's going to be a bigger thing as more suburban enclaves get enriched. It's the logical next step IMO

I was thinking cohousing, too, but then you get into legal trouble if we're declared a criminal organization for whatever reason. We should get a lawyer on board.

I'm in FL btw. If I leave this convo for a few days, that's why.

Oh shoot. Hope you make it through okay.

Ain't sceered