Greetings from Northern Virginia

[Eric L. Burkes]

Hi Bigger Pockets Team,

Eric here from Northern Virginia. I am new to real estate investing. I recently retired from the military and now I am ready to start Chapter 2.

The goal is to build long-term wealth. I am more interested in buy & hold properties. I am interested in multi-family and commercial properties.

I have (13 months) remaining on a lease of a townhouse I am currently renting. Afterwards, the plan is to utilize my VA home loan to buy a multi-family property. I thought about breaking the lease but then decided the juice is not worth the squeeze. Meanwhile, I am educating myself on REI and analyzing deals for the next year.

I am looking to find a mentor who has carved a path in multi-family & commercial real estate to help build my confidence and investing skills.

I am also open to finding partners in the area to go in on deals with. Potential locations for my first buy preferably somewhere close to where I reside (Virginia, Maryland, or North Carolina). I have set aside funds for a down payment.

Additionally, I have signed-up for a couple of meet-up events in my area to get any advice and insight.

I hope this intro makes sense.

Thanks in advance.

EB