Chicagoland Networking Recommendations Needed

[Andy V.]

I have been reading, researching & digesting everything that I can get my hands on in preparation for doing my first deal.  Now that I'm getting pretty comfortable with the concepts and thinking more seriously about actively searching for my first deal, I was hoping to start networking with local people to help me out.  I have reached out to a few people so far through BP, and even met 1 or 2 for coffee, but I know that the more people I network with, the better my chances of success will be.

I was hoping to attend one of the local REIA's networking nights, but this month's meeting is being held while I'm out of town. Rather than waiting until next month, I was hoping that I could get referrals to some wholesalers, general contractors, and investor-friendly RE agents who work in the western suburbs of the Chicagoland area. I will also be needing a lawyer that is familiar with real estate investing, but location isn't as critical with that. Any help that you could send my way would be greatly appreciated.

Andy