How should I prepare myself for a local real estate meetup?

[Ally Alvarez]

Rookie investor searching for first investment property. 

It has been recommended to attend a local meetup, but what do I say? What ways can I prepare myself for these type of events. 

[Nicholas L.]

@Ally Alvarez

I had the same questions several years ago when I got started, and luckily - most real estate investors love to talk shop.  I'd be direct - "my name is Ally, I'm new, and I'm interested in hearing more about how you got started."  Then you're off to the races.

Also - you may already know this - but I think meetups come in 3ish general types:

1. Pitching prohibited.  This is pure networking.  Maybe there's a talk or a panel, but it's just sharing information.  No one is selling anything.  These are the best.

2. Light pitch. Someone gives a talk and then goes and stands in the back to sell their services, but there's no pressure and the talk is valuable without anything further.  I went to a bunch like this in Northern Virginia and they were fine because they were transparent about what they were doing.  The speaker tried to give value.

3. Heavy pitch.  The whole point of the "meetup" is to sell services.  Fine to go to and you can still of course network and not buy anything, just be aware.

I benefited tremendously from meetups when I was just getting started.  I went to ALL the meetups including ALL the pitchfests.  I didn't buy anything and I tried to have at least one good conversation at every one.

Hope this helps - happy to help further.