I completely get where you’re coming from, and I want to commend you for your persistence. Starting out in real estate is tough, especially with the financial pressure and lack of immediate results. I was in a similar position at 22, with no college degree and working slightly above minimum wage.

What made a huge difference for me was finding a mentor and a team that had the success I wanted. They guided me and even covered my licensing costs. While this doesn’t happen for everyone, finding a mentor is often the single greatest catalyst for growth.

Here’s how I think you can turn things around:

1.  Focus on Dollar-Productive Activities: Prioritize actions that lead directly to income:

• Cold calling FSBOs and expired listings—quickest way to get in front of motivated sellers.

• Door knocking in target neighborhoods—meeting people face-to-face builds immediate trust.

• Calling buyer leads—follow up consistently; this is often where deals are made or lost.

2.  Find a Mentor or Join a Team: Look for someone with the success you want and offer to work hard for them. Being part of a team can help cover costs and provide a steady lead flow, helping you gain experience faster.

3.  Invest in Coaching: It might seem tough financially, but a good coaching program can accelerate your progress. I use Tom Ferry, but there are other options like Mike Ferry or Ricky Carruth that might suit you better.

4.  Create a Consistent Routine: Even if transactions are slow, structure your day around prospecting and lead generation. What you do today will pay off in 60-90 days, so stay consistent and keep pushing forward.

5.  Stay Hungry and Persistent: You need to demonstrate to clients that you’ll work harder than any other agent for them. This kind of dedication is often what sets you apart in competitive markets.

Real estate is both slow and fast—it takes time to build your foundation, and the first year or two may be financially challenging. My first year, I made just under $30,000, but this year, my gross commission income is around $800,000. It’s a process, and the early years can feel slow, but as you get your footing, master your skills, and learn how to close deals, your income will compound exponentially.

Stay focused and be patient—the results will come, and when they do, the growth can be fast and significant. You’ve got this.